This Old World tropical genus consists of around 100 species of annuals, perennials, and shrubs of the acanthus family. Many are vigorous twining climbers, while others are shrubby in habit. They are an enormously varied group, usually with pointed oval to heart-shaped leaves, sometimes lobed or toothed. The flowers occur in a wide color range: mostly yellow, orange, and purple-blue shades. They may be borne singly or in racemes and are mostly long-tubed trumpets with 5 large lobes. The genus was named for Carl Peter Thunberg (1743-1828), a Swedish physician and botanist employed by the Dutch East India Company. He was the first Western botanist to visit Japan in over 100 years, and brought back to Europe flora that was previously largely unknown.
CULTIVATION
Thunbergia species are frost tender or tolerant of very light frosts. Plant in a warm sheltered position with moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Many species are drought tolerant; most perform best with frequent watering and feeding. Propagate from cuttings or seed.
Top Tip
For an eye-catching effect in the garden, train Thunbergia specie up though other annuals, such as sunflowers, or around and through the branches of a small tree.
CULTIVATION
Thunbergia species are frost tender or tolerant of very light frosts. Plant in a warm sheltered position with moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Many species are drought tolerant; most perform best with frequent watering and feeding. Propagate from cuttings or seed.
Top Tip
For an eye-catching effect in the garden, train Thunbergia specie up though other annuals, such as sunflowers, or around and through the branches of a small tree.
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