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Black-eyed Susan Vine

Botanical Name
Thunbergia alata
Min Zone
10
Max Zone
11
Height
3 to 8 feet
Width
3 to 6 feet
Flowers
Seasonal: five overlapping petals surround dark thoats; orange, yellow, peach
Light
Full sun to part shade
Soil
Moist, well-drained, fertile
Planting & Care
  • Does not like excessive heat and benefits from afternoon shade
  • Because black-eyed Susan vine prefers cooler conditions, flowering is best in late summer and early fall as temperatures cool
  • Sow seeds directly outdoors after last frost
  • Seeds can be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date
  • Plants can be overwintered indoors as a houseplant if given plenty of sunlight
  • Propagate, share and overwinter by taking cuttings in late summer
  • Set transplants of this twining vine near a trellis, fence or other support, spacing 14 to 16 inches apart
  • Fertilize every 2 to 3 weeks if growing in a container
Problems
None serious
Varieties
  • African Sunset - a mix of shades of cream to brick red
  • Arizona Dark Red - deep red-orange flowers
  • Lemon A-Peel - bright yellow blooms
  • Raspberry Smoothie - pale lilac-pink flowers, grey-green foliage
  • Superstar Orange - large bright orange flowers
  • Pure White - white blooms
  • Spanish Eyes - muted shades of apricot, salmon, rose, ivory and terra cotta

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