Black-eyed Susans

Black-eyed Susans or Thunbergia alata are magnificent climbers with unique black-hearted flowers. Native to Africa, these plants can acclimatise outdoors, but in a well-sheltered location. They have opposite leaves that are 8 cm (3in) long, triangular in shape, and yellow-orange flowers with black hearts that are 4 cm (2in) in diameter. Among the hundreds of species, Thunbergia alata and grandiflora are the most cultivated for flowering on a trellis or pyramid-shaped support in the middle of a summer flowerbed. Thunbergias prefer rich, humus-bearing, well-drained soil and a sunny or partially shaded position, but protected from the wind.