Also known as Black-eyed Susan Vine · 33 gardener saves
Thunbergia: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Thunbergia, the genus most gardeners know as black-eyed susan vine. We track 7 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 7 most-saved Thunbergia varieties
Of 7 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedBlack-eyed Susan Vine
Thunbergia alata 'Black Eyed Susan Vine'
#2 most savedNatal Bluebell
Thunbergia natalensis
#3 most savedAfrican Sunset Black-Eyed Susan Vine
Thunbergia alata 'African Sunset'
White Halo Black-eyed Susan Vine
Thunbergia alata 'White Halo'
Black-eyed Susan Vine Thunbergia Amber Stripes
Thunbergia alata 'Amber Stripes'
Blue Glory Vine
Thunbergia battiscombei
Rose Sensation Black-eyed Susan Vine
Thunbergia alata 'Rose Sensation'
How to grow Thunbergia
What the Thunbergia varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Thunbergia year
- FertilizeMay–August100% of varieties
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly for continuous bloom
- PlantApril and May86% of varieties
Plant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed
- StakeApril and May71% of varieties
Provide a trellis, netting, or other support at planting time.
- Check for PestsJune–August57% of varieties
Check for spider mites, especially during hot, dry weather.
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 💧
- Provide support for climbing vines 🌿
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape ✂️
- Feed with balanced fertilizer monthly during summer
- Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Refrain from heavy pruning during dormancy
- Don’t place in full shade; it prefers bright light
- Refrain from heavy fertilization in fall
What goes wrong with Thunbergia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on leaves | Increase humidity and use insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaves | Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oils |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves, soft roots | Improve drainage, reduce watering, and remove affected roots |
Making more Thunbergia
Cuttings
- Select healthy stem cuttings and remove lower leaves.
- Dip cut end in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist soil or perlite.
- Keep in bright, indirect light for 6 weeks until roots develop.
Seeds
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in spring and keep warm for 2-3 weeks.
Thunbergia questions
How many types of Thunbergia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Thunbergia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 33 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Thunbergia grow in?
Across its varieties, Thunbergia covers USDA Zones 9–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Thunbergia bloom?
Most Thunbergia varieties bloom in summer to fall, mid-summer, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Thunbergia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Thunbergia shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Thunbergia in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
