Thunbergia alata ‘Orange Eye’ (Black-eyed Susan)

Thunbergia alata ‘Orange Eye’, also known as the “Black-eyed Susan vine,” is a tropical climbing plant valued for its vibrant orange flowers with a dark center. Native to East Africa, this species is often grown as an annual in temperate regions.

🌼 General characteristics

• Plant type: annual climber (perennial in frost-free areas)

• Family: Acanthaceae

• Height: up to 2.4 meters in a single season

• Foliage: dark green, heart-shaped or triangular, with slightly toothed edges

• Flowers: orange with a dark center (dark brown or black), about 3.8–5 cm in diameter

• Flowering period: from spring until the first frost 

☀️ Environmental requirements

• Light: prefers full sun; tolerates partial shade but flowering may be reduced

• Soil: rich in organic matter, well drained, with neutral pH

• Watering: moderate; keep soil lightly moist, avoiding excess water

• Temperature: ideal between 18°C and 30°C; does not tolerate temperatures below 4°C

🌿 Care and maintenance

• Support: requires support structures such as trellises, fences, or pergolas

• Fertilizing: apply a balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season

• Pruning: not necessary; removing faded flowers can encourage blooming

• Wintering: in areas with cold winters, it can be grown in pots and brought indoors

🐝 Benefits and uses

• Attracts pollinators: flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

• Versatility: suitable for vertical gardens, hanging baskets, containers, and as temporary ground cover (does not withstand frost).

• Aesthetic: adds a splash of color and liveliness to any space 

Thunbergia alata ‘Orange Eye’ is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a climbing plant with abundant flowering and easy care, bringing a touch of the exotic and color to the garden or terrace.

Flowers may show variations in shade.
The displayed price is for a plant with or without flowers.