- Height 60-96 Inches
- Width 18-24 Inches
- Use as a thriller when using in containers
- Can grow up to 8 feet tall in 1 season!
A very prolific annual vine in most of the United States, Thunbergia alata, or Black Eyed Susan Vine, can grow up to 8 feet in one season. Bright lemon yellow flowers with dark brown/purple centers blanket this climbing vine. Due to its twining climbing habit, T. alata is most often planted alone or with other climbing twining vines like morning glory and purple hyacinth bean. If you mean it to cascade out of a hanging basket, be aware it will twine around anything in its reach and then start climbing upward if it has the opportunity.
Native to Africa, Zones 10a to 11b, T. alata can be invasive and are restricted in some areas because of this. Please check with your local authorities if you are in these zones. In Zones 3-9 Black Eyed Susan Vines are grown as a warm season annual. In these zones you will find that any rampant growth will soon be taken care of by the return of cold weather.
Lemon A-Peel Black-Eyed Susan Vine Care
Thunbergia alata are heavy feeders and should be fertilized with an all around household fertilizer every four to six weeks if planted in your landscape, and every two or three weeks if in a container. They prefer part to full sun in most regions, but if summers are extremely hot, a light afternoon shade is appreciated. Soil conditions should be moderate to moist, with a pH of 5.8 to 6.2 optimal. Insects can be a problem, watch for aphids, spider mites and leafminers, and apply an insecticidal soap when needed. Compost mulch placed around the base of the vine will feed and shade the roots.
Deadheading is not required as this plant is self cleaning. If the vine starts getting out of its bounds, prune back to keep it under control. Proper placement of this vine, however, should render this a non-issue due to its delightful vining habit that can be quite attractive.
Lemon A-Peel Black-Eyed Susan Vine Spacing
Spacing is crucial here as the vine will spread out and needs room to grow. Maturing at about 8 feet long and 24 inches wide, give plantings 14 to 16 inches of elbow room for optimal appearance. This is a long, continuous bloomer so you will appreciate it more if placed where it can be enjoyed all season long. Because it is a perennial in its native habitat, Thunbergia also makes an attractive houseplant, continuing to bloom if given lots of light and at least 60 degree temperatures. Keep it moist but not soggy for best performance.
Lemon A-Peel® Black-Eyed Susan Vine Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11 |
Flower Color(s): Yellow |
Bloom Period: Planting To Frost |
Foliage Color(s) Green |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun |
Height Class: Tall |
Height: 60-96 Inches |
Spread: 18-24 Inches |
Spacing: 14-16 Inches |
Habit: Climbing |
Watering: Average |
Drought Tolerant: No |
Container Role: Thriller |
Use Types: Container, Hanging Baskets, Landscape |
Features: Continuous Bloom or Rebloomer, Low Maintenance, Deadheading Not Necessary |
Maintenance: Easy |
Scientific Name: Thunbergia alata ''Lemon Star'' USPP 14,371 |
Common Name: Lemon A-Peel® Black-Eyed Susan Vine |
Other Name(s): |
Plant Type: Annual |
Brand: Proven Winners |
- SKU:
- THULPP45
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.