Also known as Black-eyed Susan Vine · 40 saves
Thunbergia
Thunbergia, the genus most gardeners know as black-eyed susan vine. We track 8 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 7 most-saved Thunbergia varieties
Browse all 8 Thunbergia varieties →
3 species of Thunbergia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Thunbergia in Sow
Save the Thunbergia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Thunbergia
Whats common across all Thunbergia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 8 most-grown of them.
The Thunbergia year
- FertilizeMay–August88% of varieties
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly for continuous bloom
- PlantApril and May75% of varieties
Plant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed
- StakeApril and May63% of varieties
Provide a trellis, netting, or other support at planting time.
- Check for PestsJune–August50% 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 |
| Whitefly | Small white insects rising from disturbed foliage | Treat with insecticidal soap; worse under cover |
| 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
Seeds
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in spring and keep warm for 2-3 weeks.
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.
Thunbergia questions
How many types of Thunbergia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 8 distinct Thunbergia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 40 real gardeners — 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.