Black-eyed Susan Vine

Thunbergia alata | Rating: 0 votes | Print / Pdf

Loves wall climbing, like an orange Spiderman.

When looking to cover that boring exterior wall with some inviting foliage, it is impossible to go wrong with Thunbergia alata. Better known as the Black-eyed Susan Vine, its flower is similar in appearance to another of the same common name - the Rudbeckia genus - but it can climb walls, trellises and other surfaces. Its thick mid-green foliage comprises a multitude of glossy, furrowed heart-shaped leaves, but its flowers are the real eye-catcher. Emerging in summer, the flowers are bright orange with a distinctive black eye in the centre. The Black-eyed Susan Vine thrives in well-drained soil, and full sun, and its long thin vines can be easily trained.

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Plant
Known dangers?
  • no
Height [m]
  • 1.5
Spread [m]
  • 0.6
Dominant flower colour
  • Varies
Flower Fragrance
  • No, neutral please
Flowering seasons
  • Early summer
  • Mid summer
  • Late summer
  • Early autumn
  • Mid autumn
  • Late autumn
Foliage in spring
  • Green
Foliage in summer
  • Green
Foliage in Autumn
  • Green
Foliage in winter
  • Green
Propagation methods
  • semi-ripe cuttings
  • Greenwood cuttings
  • seed
  • layering
Growth habit
  • Climbing
  • Twining
Environment
Hardiness zone
  • Z11-15
Heat zone
  • H12-10
Winter temperatures [°C]
  • 4 - 0
Heat days
  • 150 - 210
Moisture
  • well-drained but frequently watered
Sun requirements
  • Full sun
Usage
Standard category
  • Exotic, house plants & other
  • House plants
Grown for
  • Attractive Flowers
Creative category
  • Fast growing
  • For Beginners
Garden type
  • Indoor or winter garden
  • Cottage garden
  • Containers
Garden spaces
  • Walls, trellises and pergolas
  • Borders
Gardening expertise
  • beginner
Time to reach full size
  • 1 to 2 years
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