Thunbergia erecta: The Regal King's Mantle

The Erect Bush Clock Vine

Thunbergia erecta, known as King's Mantle or Bush Clock Vine, is a superb flowering shrub native to tropical Africa. Unlike its vining relatives, this species naturally forms a compact, upright bush, making it uniquely versatile for gardens and containers.

Botanical Profile

Royal Purple Blooms

This evergreen shrub grows 4-6 feet tall and wide with a naturally dense, rounded habit. The small, ovate, deep green leaves provide a perfect foil for the flowers: abundant, tubular, deep violet-purple blooms with yellow throats, 1-1.5 inches long, appearing in clusters at branch tips from spring through fall, often year-round in frost-free climates.

King's Mantle thrives in full sun to partial shade with rich, well-draining soil and regular moisture. It responds well to pruning and can be maintained as a formal hedge or topiary. Hardy in zones 9-11; in cooler regions, grow as a seasonal annual or container plant overwintered indoors.

Landscape Versatility

Excellent as a flowering hedge, foundation planting, specimen shrub, or large container plant. The upright habit distinguishes it from vining thunbergias—no trellis needed. Shear for formal shapes or allow natural rounded form. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. A royal presence in any warm-climate garden.