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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 1.2 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Black-eyed Susan Vine is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
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. Overall it is low maintenance.
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 a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Black-eyed Susan Vine with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.