Thunbergia alata Sunny Suzy Cherry

The Thunbergia alata 'Sunny Suzy Cherry' is another Black-eyed Susan from the 'Sunny Suzy' series that brings together early, floriferous varieties with various colours. With a moderate habit, 'Cherry' offers intense red flowers for almost 5 months that open around an almost black centre. Perennial in theory, it is an adorable annual climbing plant in our climates. Its stems covered with lush foliage cling to trellises on their own, allowing for the quick creation of large and decorative pots or stunning hanging baskets that can be kept in the conservatory. It appreciates heat and sunlight, fertile, moist, and well-drained soil.

The Thunbergia alata 'Sunny Suzy Cherry' is a fast-growing, perennial, and voluble climbing plant that tolerates only very light frosts (-3 °C (26.6°F)). The species is native to tropical regions of East Africa. It is grown as an annual in our climates. The cultivar 'Sunny Suzy Cherry' reaches an average height of 1.40 m (5ft) and a width of 50-60 cm (20-24in) in just a few months. Its stems twine around their support. They are adorned with lush, dark green foliage, consisting of evergreen (except in frost) and villous leaves with dentate edges, shaped like a heart or an arrow. The flowering, quite early for a Black-eyed Susan, extends from late May-early June to October. The 3-4 cm (1-2in) flowers, enclosed in a villous calyx, are borne on peduncles in the axil of the leaves. The corolla is tubular at the base and extends into five spreading lobes. The colour of the flowers slightly changes as they ripen, ranging from cherry red to a slightly more pinkish red. In the centre of this flower shines a beautiful, characteristic blackish-violet eye. Its role is to attract pollinating insects that visit the flowers with enthusiasm.

The 'Sunny Suzy Cherry' Black-eyed Susan is suitable for both container and open ground cultivation for seasonal decorations, in sunny locations. Climbing, voluble, and lightweight, it pairs well with all 'Sunny Suzy' Black-eyed Susans. It can also be planted next to a perennial climbing plant such as a herbaceous clematis. It can also be used as ground cover. You can associate it with summer-flowering bulbs, such as gladioli: it will twist around their leaves and bloom in the most unlikely places, adding a touch of whimsy to rigid flower beds. It will also make a great impact in a large hanging basket.

Note: Our plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them in shelter (conservatory, greenhouse, cold frame etc.) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before being planted outdoors once the risk of frost is definitively passed.