Lemon A-Peel® Black-Eyed Susan Vine

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

5-8 Feet

Mature Spread

1.5-2 Feet

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.

SKU:

THULPP