Thunbergia Vine Varieties: Colors, Forms, and Growing Tips

Overview

Thunbergias are vigorous vines for trellises, arbors, or fences. Top picks: Black-eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata) and Bengal Clock Vine (Thunbergia grandiflora).

Orange & Yellow Varieties

Black-eyed Susan Vine: Bright yellow/orange flowers with dark centers; blooms mid-summer to fall. Some cultivars offer ivory, peach, or rose shades. Grows 6–10 feet.

Orange/Golden Clock Vine (T. gregorii): Similar flowers but no dark eyes. Reaches 20 feet, blooms spring to fall.

Blue & Lavender Varieties

Bengal Clock Vine (Blue Sky Vine): Clusters of funnel-shaped sky-blue flowers in summer/fall. Rampant growth requires regular pruning. Leathery, heart-shaped leaves.

Laurel Clock Vine (T. laurifolia): Lavender-blue flowers, stiff narrow leaves.

Shrub-Like Types

Bush Clock Vine / King's Mantle (T. erecta): Shrub to 6 feet high/wide. Small leaves, purple flowers with yellow throats, single or clustered.

Scrambling Sky Flower (T. battiscombei): Brilliant blue-purple blooms mid-summer to fall. Smaller, less aggressive than Bengal Clock Vine. Forms symmetrical mound 4 feet high, 6 feet wide without support.

Exotic & Fragrant Options

Lady Slipper Vine (T. mysorensis): Long chains of unusual lipped flowers—russet red and yellow ("Brick and Butter Vine"). Attracts hummingbirds.

Sweet Clock Vine (T. fragrans): Small fragrant flowers in white, yellow, lavender, or blue; single or clustered.

Culture

Root-hardy to Zone 8. Freezes to ground but returns in spring. Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil. Vigorous—some become invasive without regular pruning.