Red Thunbergia Plants - Black-eyed Susan Vine

Thunbergia alata ‘Red’ — Black-eyed Susan Vine — is a vigorous, fast-growing tropical vine producing a bold display of red blooms with a contrasting dark eye throughout summer and fall. An outstanding performer in window boxes, hanging baskets, containers, and on trellises, arbors, and mailbox posts. A pollinator magnet. Perennial in zones 10–11; grown as an annual or overwintered indoors in colder climates. Shipped as a live plant in a 3-inch pot.

Plant Highlights

• Bold red flowers with dark eye — blooms continuously May through October
• Vigorous vining habit — 60–84 inches tall; self-cleaning and heat tolerant
• Outstanding for trellises, arbors, window boxes, hanging baskets, and containers
• Excellent pollinator plant; attracts bees and butterflies
• Perennial in zones 10–11; grown as an annual elsewhere

Planting & Care Guide

Light: Full sun preferred; in hot, dry climates provide partial afternoon shade for best performance.

Soil: Well-draining, organically rich soil; pH 6.6–7.7. Amend with compost before planting.

Water: Moderate and consistent — approx. 1 inch per week. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate root temperature. Check top inch of soil before watering in extreme heat.

Planting: Set transplants 3 inches from supports. Space 8–12 inches apart. Pinch tips of young plants to encourage branching and a fuller habit. Netting or string works well as trellis material.

Planting Specs

• Type: Tender perennial (annual in zones below 10)
• USDA Zones: 10–11 perennial; annual elsewhere
• Height: 60–84 inches (vining)
• Bloom season: Summer through fall (May–October)
• Bloom color: Red with dark eye
• Light: Full sun (partial afternoon shade in hot climates)
• Soil: Well-drained, pH 6.6–7.7
• Spacing: 8–12 inches