Growing Guide
 
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Thunbergia

Annual Flower, Vine, Houseplant

Also known as Blackeyed Susan Vine, Clock Vine
Thunbergia alata
Acanthaceae Family

This vining annual is great for hanging baskets and features dainty yellow, orange, or cream flowers with dense brown centers.

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Site Characteristics
Sunlight:
  • full sun
Performs best when shaded from intense afternoon sun.

Soil conditions:

  • requires well-drained soil
Prefers moist but well-drained soil.

Special locations:

  • outdoor containers
  • indoors as a houseplant - Overwinter inside from cuttings taken in the late summer or early fall.
Plant Traits

Lifecycle: annual

Ease-of-care: moderately difficult

Height: 5 to 8 feet

When grown on a trellis

Spread: 5 to 8 feet

When it spreads on the ground unsupported.

Bloom time:

  • mid-summer
  • late summer
  • early fall
  • mid-fall

Flower color:

  • orange
  • yellow
  • white

Flowers have dark brown centers.

Foliage color: medium green

Foliage texture: medium

Shape: climbing / vine

Shape in flower: same as above

Special Considerations
Special characteristics:
  • non-aggressive
  • non-invasive
  • not native to North America - Native to Africa.
Special uses:
  • direct-seeding
Growing Information
How to plant:

Propagate by seed - Start seeds indoor 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, or outdoors where desired after frost danger has passed.

Germination temperature: 70 F to 75 F

Days to emergence: 10 to 14

Maintenance and care:
Provide trellis or support before planting. Deadhead to keep in bloom. Wilts easily, especially if grown in a container. Keep soil moist but not soggy.

More growing information: How to Grow Annuals

Varieties
�Susie� Series: white, yellow, or orange flowers with dark brown centers. Very good for hanging baskets.