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Description
Thunbergia Alata Arizona Dark Red, also known as Arizona Dark Red Black Eyed Susan Vine, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Acanthaceae family. It is a hybrid variety of Thunbergia Alata and is native to tropical areas of Africa. This plant is known for its striking, dark red flowers that bloom in clusters from late spring to early fall. It is a fast-growing vine that can reach a height of up to 8 feet and a width of up to 3 feet.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Genus | Thunbergia |
Appearance
Thunbergia Alata Arizona Dark Red has dark green, heart-shaped leaves that are about 2-3 inches long. Its flowers are trumpet-shaped and around 2 inches long. They have five petals with a dark red color and a black center. When in full bloom, the plant is covered with these beautiful flowers, making it a popular choice for gardeners.
Care Guide
Water: Thunbergia Alata Arizona Dark Red requires moderate watering. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot weather.
Fertilization: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: Thunbergia Alata Arizona Dark Red thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: This plant can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 10-11. For colder climates, it can be grown as an annual.
Common Pests & Diseases
Thunbergia Alata Arizona Dark Red is generally pest-resistant, but it can be susceptible to spider mites and whiteflies. Treat any pest infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. This plant can also be affected by root rot if it is overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.
Habitat
Thunbergia Alata Arizona Dark Red is native to tropical areas of Africa and is commonly found in gardens and landscapes in warm, humid regions. It is a popular choice for adding color to trellises, walls, and fences.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Thunbergia Alata Arizona Dark Red be grown indoors?
A: While it can be grown indoors, it requires a lot of light and can quickly outgrow its container. It is best grown outdoors in a sunny location.
Q: How often should Thunbergia Alata Arizona Dark Red be fertilized?
A: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: Can Thunbergia Alata Arizona Dark Red tolerate cold weather?
A: It can only tolerate temperatures down to 30°F, so it is best grown in warm, humid climates or as an annual in colder climates.
Q: How often should Thunbergia Alata Arizona Dark Red be watered?
A: Water deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot weather. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Related Plants
- Thunbergia Alata
- Thunbergia Grandiflora
- Thunbergia Laurifolia
- Thunbergia Mysorensis
References
- “Thunbergia alata ‘Arizona Dark Red’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=261051&isprofile=0.
- “Thunbergia alata.” University of Florida IFAS Extension, edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp314.
- “Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia).” Costa Farms, www.costafarms.com/plants/black-eyed-susan-vine-thunbergia.
