Does it need a trellis?

Yes, it is a twining vine that requires support to climb effectively.

Can I grow it in a pot?

It thrives in containers as long as it has a trellis and consistent moisture.

Plant guide

Black eyed susan vine.

Thunbergia alata

Pronounced thun-BER-jee-uh uh-LAY-tuh

Also known as Black Eyed Susan, Black eyed Susan vine, Black-eyed Susan, Black-eyed Susan clock vine, Bright eyes, Winged clockvine, Black-eyed Susan, Black-eyed Susan vine, Blackeyed Susan Clockvine, Blackeyed Susan vine, black-eyed-Susan-vine

Black-eyed Susan vine — Photo by zebedeugalinha (CC BY) via iNaturalist

This charming climber is a fast grower that loves to scramble up trellises. It produces cheerful, trumpet shaped flowers with a signature dark center. You'll find it's a fantastic choice for adding vertical interest to your garden.

Another photo of Black eyed susan vine — Photo by Macelo Costa (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Flowering vine
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 2 to 4 days
Mature size: 6 to 8 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 11
Bloom time: Late spring to autumn

Care

Provide a sturdy trellis for the vines to climb as they grow. Keep an eye out for pests like spider mites, especially when the air is dry. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but never soggy to keep the plant happy.

Watering: Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back long stems occasionally to encourage a bushier shape and more blooms.
Repotting: Repot only if the plant becomes root bound or you need to refresh the soil.
Soil: Well draining, rich potting mix
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: 10 to 30°C
Humidity: 50 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Tender perennial, often grown as an annual.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
Stunted growth during the peak growing season.

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non-toxic, but ingestion should be avoided.
Children: Keep the small, round seeds away from young children as they pose a potential choking hazard.
Contact allergens: There are no notable skin irritants associated with this plant.
Airborne allergens: The pollen is not typically considered a significant airborne allergen.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for consumption and may cause digestive upset if ingested.

How to identify it

Trumpet shaped flowers with dark centers
Heart shaped or triangular green leaves
Vigorous twining vine growth habit
Winged leaf stalks

Height: 1.5 to 2.5m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: orange, yellow, white, 3 to 5cm
Fruit: brown, late summer

Problems to watch for

Spider MitesCommon
WhiteflyCommon
AphidsUncommon
Sooty MoldUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings
When to plant: spring
Overwintering: In cold climates, bring the container indoors to a bright, frost-free location. Keep the soil barely moist until spring growth resumes.
In containers: It is excellent for containers, provided you use a pot at least 30 centimeters in diameter with a sturdy trellis.

Seed

1. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting.
2. Sow seeds 1 centimeter deep in moist seed-starting mix.
3. Keep at 20 to 25 Celsius until germination occurs.

Pair this vine with plants that enjoy similar moisture levels to ensure the soil stays consistently damp.

Grows well with

Sweet Potato Vine · The trailing habit of the sweet potato vine complements the vertical growth of the black-eyed susan vine.
Petunia · Petunias provide a colorful, low-growing base that contrasts well with the climbing vine.

Similar species

Black-eyed Susan · Despite the shared common name, this is a completely different plant that grows as a clump-forming perennial.

Science

Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Thunbergia
Order: Lamiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Tropical eastern Africa.
Conservation: This species is not of conservation concern and is considered invasive in some tropical regions.

It grows as a vigorous climber in forest edges and disturbed areas, using its twining stems to reach sunlight.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: container gardening, trellis climber, hanging baskets

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need a trellis?: Yes, it is a twining vine that requires support to climb effectively.
Can I grow it in a pot?: It thrives in containers as long as it has a trellis and consistent moisture.

Where the name comes from

The genus honors Carl Peter Thunberg, while the species name alata refers to the winged petioles of the leaves.

Good to know

It is a fast growing vine that can reach its full height in a single season.
The genus is named after Swedish botanist Carl Peter Thunberg.
It is often grown as an annual in cooler climates.
The flowers close up at night.

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.