Thunbergia Sunny™ ‘Lemon Star’: A Vibrant Addition to Your Garden
Thunbergia Sunny ‘Lemon Star’, or Thunbergia alata Sunny™ ‘Lemon Star’ or Thunbergia ‘Lemon Star’commonly known as the Black-eyed Susan Vine, is a captivating climber belonging to the Acanthaceae family. This vigorous and heat-tolerant vine is a standout in any garden, known for its bright, cheerful blooms and robust growth habit.
Background and Description
Thunbergia alata is native to South Africa, where it thrives in sunny, warm conditions. The cultivar Sunny™ ‘Lemon Star’ is a particularly striking variety of the Black-eyed Susan Vine, featuring soft, lemon-yellow petals that surround a distinctive dark eye. These flowers are larger than those found in seed-grown varieties, making them a more prominent and attractive feature in the garden. The plant’s habit is climbing, with stems that can reach heights of 5 to 8 feet, making it ideal for vertical gardening. The leaves are heart-shaped and provide a lush backdrop to the vibrant flowers.
How to grow Thunbergia Sunny ‘Lemon Star’:
Light and Temperature: Plant it in the sun as this vine flourishes in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is heat-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens in warmer regions. For optimal growth, provide it with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil and Watering: Plant Thunbergia ‘Lemon Star’ in moist, well-drained, and fertile soil. Regular watering is essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the hotter months, you might need to water more frequently to ensure the plant remains hydrated.
Fertilization: Use an all-purpose fertilizer once a week during the growing season. This will provide the necessary nutrients to support its vigorous growth and abundant flowering.
Care Instructions for Thunbergia Sunny ‘Lemon Star’
Support and Pruning: Due to its climbing nature, provide a trellis, pole, or a tripod of bamboo stakes to support its growth. This will not only help the plant grow upwards but also enhance its visual appeal as it cascades down the support structure. Regular pruning is not necessary but can help manage its size and shape if desired.
Maintenance: Thunbergia Sunny ‘Lemon Star’ is low maintenance. However, keep an eye out for pests and diseases. It generally resists deer, an added benefit for gardeners in areas where deer are prevalent.
Seasonal Care: This plant blooms from late spring to the first frost, providing a long season of color. In regions with cold winters, treat it as an annual or bring it indoors to protect it from frost.
Propagation
Propagation of Thunbergia alata Sunny™ ‘Lemon Star’ is typically done by seeds. To propagate by seeds, collect them from mature pods and sow them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Ensure the seeds are lightly covered with soil and kept moist until germination.
- Seed Collection and Preparation: Collect mature seed pods from your Thunbergia ‘Lemon Star’ at the end of the blooming season. Allow the pods to dry and then carefully extract the seeds.
- Sowing Seeds: Sow the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Use a seed-starting mix and cover the seeds lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Germination: Place the seed trays in a warm, bright location. The seeds should germinate within 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
- Transplanting Outdoors: After the last frost has passed and the seedlings are well-established, transplant them outdoors into a sunny or partially shaded location with well-draining soil.
Conclusion
Thunbergia alata Sunny™ ‘Lemon Star’ is a versatile and visually striking vine that adds a splash of bright color to any garden. Its easy-care nature, combined with its vigorous growth and long blooming season, makes it a favorite among gardeners. Whether used to climb trellises, adorn fences, or spill over containers, this Black-eyed Susan Vine is sure to be a showstopper in your landscape.
