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Genus Thunbergia

Thunbergia Thunbergia alata Photo/Illustration: Michael Dirr
thun-BER-jee-ah
The genus Thunbergia includes 100 or so species of annuals, evergreen perennials, twining climbers, and shrubs from Africa, Madagascar, and Asia. Their showy, often tropical-looking flowers are trumpet shaped with spreading lobes, blooming mainly in summer. Use in a greenhouse where not hardy or outdoors as annuals in a sheltered site. In warmer areas, grow the shrubby and perennial species in borders, and the climbers on an arch, pergola, or tree.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Showy blue, yellow, orange, red, or white flowers with spreading lobes.
 Care: In the garden, grow in moist but well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Prune climbers in early spring. Tropical climbers need partial shade. Under glass, grow in full light with shelter from hot sun. Water freely during growth and sparingly in winter.  
 Propagation: Sow seed at 61° to 64°F in spring. Using bottom heat, insert greenwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in mid- or late summer. Plants may also be layered in spring.
 Problems: Indoors, spider mites, whiteflies, and scale insects may be problems.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Thunbergia

Thunbergia alata Thunbergia alata
(Black-eyed Susan vine) (3 user reviews)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This tender perennial climber is evergreen in Zones 10 and warmer. Cheerful, 1.5-inch flowers in shades of orange and yellow cover this fast-growing vine. The blossoms have a simple form: 5 petals surrounding a brownish purple center. Where grown as an annual, plants can reach 8 feet; when grown as a perennial, 20 feet.