Black-eyed Susan: The vibrant vine transforming UK gardens
"Black-eyed Susan", or the Winged Thunbergia, is an impressive vine that can add colour and a decorative look to a garden. It grows quickly and blooms beautifully, so it is increasingly used as a plant for hedges.
Winged Thunbergia, commonly known as "Black-eyed Susan," originates from the warm regions of East Africa. Its distinctive feature is its orange or yellow flowers with a dark centre that resembles a black eye, which is how the plant got its memorable name.
The plant has thin and flexible stems that climb quickly up supports. It creates a light, airy screen, giving the garden an elegant character. It is not a typical shrub that forms a dense and compact barrier, but it works perfectly where aesthetics and decorative effect matter.
In what conditions does it grow best?
The "Black-eyed Susan" thrives in warm, sunny places but grows in partial shade. It requires fertile, well-drained soil with moderate moisture and rich nutrients.
In British conditions, Winged Thunbergia is most often grown as an annual plant, making it ideal for gardens of those who appreciate seasonal changes and a variety of compositions.
Why is it suitable for a colourful hedge?
Winged Thunbergia is a vine that can quickly create a green wall full of colourful flowers. Thanks to its rapid growth, it can serve as a seasonal hedge, shielding a terrace, balcony, or chosen part of a garden within a few weeks. In favourable conditions, it grows up to 2 to 3 metres high.
Decorative flowers in shades of yellow and orange with a distinctive dark centre give it a unique, expressive appearance. This way, Thunbergia serves as a cover and becomes a strong colour accent in the space.
Pruning the plant is unnecessary, but keeping an aesthetic shape and encouraging the plant to bloom more abundantly is advisable. Removing withered leaves and damaged stems makes Thunbergia look healthy and attractive. Fertilising the plant with a diluted multi-component fertiliser every 2 to 4 weeks supports its growth and flowering.
