Clock Vine
Thunbergia alata
Also known as
Black-Eyed Susan Vine
Photo by DiaHard1927 (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Half-hardy
H3
RHS hardiness
-5°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
2.5m | Max | 50cm |
1m | Min | 30cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Clock Vine
Clock Vine Overview
A fast-growing, long flowering creeper with orange, yellow, cream or white flowers with usually a black centre. It is very versatile, can tolerate many types of soil and only uses a moderate amount of water. Commonly known by the names Clock Vine and Black-Eyed Susan Vine. This plant can handle light shade and needs warm conditions to thrive. Attracts insects and birds when flowering in summer. Used in traditional medicine.
Common problems with Clock Vine
Whiteflies, scale, spider mites on indoor plants. These plants are susceptible to powdery mildew fungi, so begin an organic antifungal program if the lower leaves turn brown and twisted. Also bothered by slugs, snails, aphids, powdery mildew, rust and leaf spots.
Clock Vine Companion Plants
Felicia amelloides, Merwilla plumbea, blue Agapanthus, Dietes grandiflora, Carissa macrocarpa, Gardenia thunbergia, Duvernoia adhatodoides (pistol bush) and white Plumbago auriculata
How to harvest Clock Vine
Allow seedheads to dry on plants, remove and collect seeds.
How to propagate Clock Vine
Seed
Sow seeds in shallow holes and cover. Germination takes 10-15 days but germination can be speeded up by soaking seeds in water overnight.
Cuttings
Take herbaceous stem cuttings or softwood stem cuttings in late spring or early summer.
Layering
Simple layering. Using U-bent wire, pin a low-growing stem to the ground, leaving the last 15-30cm of stem exposed. Cover pinned area with soil, bend the tip until vertical & cut bark at the bend.
Special features of Clock Vine
Attracts useful insects
Butterflies, bees, flies and other insects visit flowers for nectar.
Pot plant
Black-eyed Susan can be planted in a container provided with a trellis to grow along.
Hedge plant
It makes a pretty hedge that quickly creep up a fence or other support structure.
Attracts butterflies
Attracts bees
Other uses of Clock Vine
An attractive quick growing garden creeper, ground cover and screen.
