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Growing Black Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata)

The versatile black-eyed Susan vine can be grown up a support, in a hanging basket or allowed to crawl over the ground. This vigorous climber has been known to do both: climb up the hanging basket support while other stems trail over the edge of the pot.

Black-eyed Susan vine, also known by its botanical name, Thunbergia, is known for its yellow or orange flowers with a black center. New varieties are available with white, rose, red, lilac and pastel colored flowers.

This vine prefers rich moist soil and full sun. It will tolerate partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.

Use black-eyed Susan vines in containers with cannas and elephant ears or combine it with other vigorous vines like the purple flowered hyacinth bean vine

Beware that this vine is hardy in zones 9 and 10 and is invasive in some warmer regions.

A bit more information:  Black-eyed Susan vines can be grown indoors in a sunny window. Monitor the plants for signs of spider mites that are a common pest when these plants are grown indoors.

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