Question
Hi,
I work in the garden dept. at our local Home Depot here in S. Central Texas.
We received a shippment of hanging baskets in the other day and there is a vine that no one seems to know anything about.  I have heard that it is called perhaps a "Black Eyed Susan Vine"  They arrived in 10" containers and have a definite trailing/vining habit.  The flower range from Deep Gold with a very dark hollow 'eye' to pale yellow with the eye that same color.
I have had many people ask how to care for these, sun or shade requirments, annuals or periennal. Can they be planted in the ground..(our area is alkaline) The tags that came on the plants are a basic tag with minimal care instructions.  Pretty much says give it water and hang it up.
Sure would appreciate any info you might have on this very pretty plant, so my customers aren't disappointed.

Answer
It does sound like Thunbergia alata (Black eyed Susan vine)

Place baskets in sun/partial shade. A perennial in zones 9b - 11 (your zones). Otherwise considered an annual.

Will bloom all year long if night temperatures are above 60 degrees and they get full sun in the winter months.
If temperatures fall frezing the foliage may die back, but the plant should survive and regrow in spring. Remove hanging basket and cut foilage back. Then keep somewhere protected during winter and possibly water once in a while in order to ensure the soil is not allowed to dry out completely. Will regrow next spring. You can also plant in ground next fall along a trellis or picket fence and the vine will grow with these as support.

The plants are not very drought tolerant and should be watered regularly for optimum growth. Fertilize every other week with a balanced fertilizer diluted to ?the strength recommended on the label. Occasional trimming helps keep the plant growing vigorously and helps to promote more blooms.
The soil should be moist and now allowed to dry out, but do not overwatered either. Consistently soaked conditions are not recommended. Using a well draining planting mix for baskets is recommended.