Thunbergia Winged

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Winged thunbergia (lat. Thunbergia alata) - a representative of the genus Tunbergia of the Akantov family. In the people, the plant is often called the black-eyed trifoliate hibiscus, less often - the Black-eyed Suzanne. The homeland of the plant is considered to be the hot south of Africa. Today, the culture in question is very popular among gardeners and florists. This aspect is due to the versatility of plants. They are suitable both for garden decoration and as ampelous specimens on the balcony.

Characteristics of culture

Winged tunbergia is represented by herbaceous climbing plants, which grow up to 2-2.5 m during growth. They are characterized by triangular, ovoid, green foliage with a serrated edge and a heart-shaped base. Another feature of the leaves is soft pubescence over the entire surface. The flowers of the species under consideration are small, usually not exceeding 3-4 cm in diameter, the color is yellow with a brown speck in the center. Flowering is long, subject to all conditions and a favorable climate, abundant, depending on the region and the method of cultivation, it occurs in July - August.

For its high decorative properties, winged tunbergia is taken into account by breeders. On the shelves of the store today you can find a lot of attractive and, most importantly, large-flowered forms and varieties. Among them, the white-flowered variety Susi Weib mit Auge won the love of gardeners and truck farmers. The variety Blushing Susie, whose flowers boast delicate peach tones, has received no less interest among lovers of beauty. The latter variety is also resistant to adverse conditions. Even in the Urals, plants manage to gain abundant green mass and show the charm of a huge number of flowers.

Growing features

Winged Tunbergia, like its closest "brothers", is very demanding on the location. She feels defective in the shade and partial shade, but responds well to areas that are located in the open sun. This aspect is not at all surprising, because the hot continent is the birthplace of culture. The wind is a hindrance for thin stems of plants, therefore it is better to plant a "sissy" in places protected from cold northern winds. You should not even try to grow a culture in lowlands with stagnant cold air, most likely, it will get sick and soon die, without showing its true beauty.

It is important to pay no less attention to the soil composition. It is advisable to plant the plant in areas with loose, moderately moist, mineral-rich soils. The presence of lime in them is encouraged. By the way, many flower growers cultivate winged tunbergia not only in the garden, but also at home, where it develops no worse than in the open air. The main thing is the condition of the pot in size, drainage and, of course, a nutritious substrate.

Sowing of winged tunbergia is carried out in early spring - usually in the second decade of March in seedling boxes filled with a mixture that is made from the garden soil of river washed sand and peat. At the same time, the seeds are not embedded far into the depths, but only spread evenly over the soil, sprinkled, and then watered and necessarily covered with a film to create favorable conditions. The film, of course, is periodically removed for airing and watering.

If all conditions suit the delicate beauty, she sprouts in 7-10 days. Later (with the appearance of two leaves on the seedlings), a pick is carried out in separate containers, for example, peat pots. When the plants reach a height of 15 cm, pinching is carried out. This manipulation ensures good tillering, which means abundant flowering. Seedlings are planted in the ground in June, leaving a distance of 40-50 cm between the plants.

Further care of the crop consists of simple procedures, namely watering, weeding and fertilizing. The garter procedure is also important, because winged tunbergia belongs to the category of climbing plants. For these purposes, ordinary wire stretched over posts, lattice or mesh will do. As the tunbergia grows, it will quickly tighten the support and make the garden unique.