A cheerful, fast twining climber covered in bright orange, yellow or cream flowers each with a dark chocolate eye through the warmer months. Quick to cover a trellis but can self-seed readily.
At a glance
- Plant type: Climber
- Mature size: 3 m H × 2 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Black-eyed Susan Vine
Botanically, Thunbergia alata is a fast-growing climber in the Acanthaceae family. It reaches around 3 m tall and 2 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Orange, yellow and cream green flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Black-eyed Susan Vine
Black-eyed Susan Vine suits subtropical, warm-temperate and tropical climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Black-eyed Susan Vine does best in loamy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 1.2 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Black-eyed Susan Vine does best with regular, moderate watering. A light spring feed is usually enough to maintain steady growth. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Black-eyed Susan Vine after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Expect a low maintenance care workload once it is established.
Using Black-eyed Susan Vine in the garden
Black-eyed Susan Vine earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, pots and courtyard containers, hanging baskets and a fast screen or informal hedge. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For easier irrigation and care, group Black-eyed Susan Vine with species that also favour regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out.
Good to know
It is thornless and easy to handle. Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.
Buying Black-eyed Susan Vine
Plant Sale lists Black-eyed Susan Vine as potted plants and advanced specimens. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
