Tunbergia (Thunbergia) is a genus of plants from the acanthus family (Acanthaceae), which includes about 90 species found in Africa, Asia and Madagascar. Among them are profusely flowering, annual or perennial climbers, perennials and shrubs. The most common cultivation iswinged tunbergia(Thunbergia alata), which is an excellent climber for container cultivation on balconies and terraces, as well as for home gardens.
Winged Tunbergia is a one-year climber,
perfect for growing in a container on a balcony or terrace
Winged Tunbergiais a perennial climber, however, due to the lack of frost resistance, it is grown as annuals. Thin, green shoots of this plant may twine around supports up to a height of 3 m. Leaves, also green, heart-shaped, up to 7.5 cm long, placed on long, winged petioles (this is what the species name derives from). Trumpet-shaped flowers emerge from the axils of the leaves. In the lower part, the petals of the crown are fused into a tube, and in the upper part they form a flat plate, 4 cm in diameter, with a dark throat in the middle.The color of the petals may vary depending on the variety. Most often they are orange, yellow or cream. There are also varieties with non-uniform color of flowers, e.g. 'African Sunset' with salmon-cream-red petals or 'Sunrise' with orange-red petals. Tunbergia blooms for a very long time, from June until the first frost.
Long flowering period and fanciful wrapping around the supports madewinged tunbergiaa popular plant for decorating balconies and terraces, as well as cafe and restaurant gardens.
Tunbergia - sowing seeds
Winged Tunbergiais grown from sowing seeds. Sow the seeds in February or March, 2-3 per pot. We place the pots in a warm greenhouse or at home on a bright window sill. When the seedlings have a few true leaves, it is worth planting them into larger pots. When the seedlings are about 10 cm long and 3 pairs of leaves each, we pinch their tips for better propagation. In the case of insufficient fertilization, too little light or no transplanting to larger pots, the seedlings often lose their lower leaves, which, after being transplanted into the target containers, unfortunately blight with emptiness in the lower part. To avoid this, during the production of seedlings, it is worth providing them with optimal conditions for development. In the second half of May, when the risk of frost is over, and after hardening, the plants can be planted outside - in the garden or in boxes on the balcony or terrace.
Tunbergia - cultivation
Winged Tunbergiarequires a well sunny and warm position, sheltered from the wind. It requires fertile, permeable and calcareous soils. In spring and summer, it should be watered regularly and fed with universal liquid fertilizer every 7-14 days.
The first frosts end its vegetation. However, if we have a bright and cool room, with a temperature not lower than 10 ° C, e.g. a greenhouse or an orangery, the containers can be moved and overwintering in such conditions. In spring, before the vegetation starts, wintering specimens must be transplanted into fresh soil, trimmed and moved to a warmer place. Outside, like seedlings, they are placed after the risk of frost has passed.
Finally, one more curiosity. The name tunbergia was given to honor the Swedish botanist Carl Peter Thumberg (1743-1828), a student of Linnaeus, who conducted his research in botany, among others. in Japan, crowned with the work of Flora Japonica. Thanks to this, he was hailed as the Japanese Linnaeus.
