© RHS / Janet Cubey

Introducing...

Thunbergia

Common name: Black-eyed Susan

These vigorous, climbing annuals, with colourful flowers, are excellent for giving quick cover to arches and fences while you are waiting for longer-term plants to mature. Alternatively, allow them to cascade down from large hanging baskets. They cannot withstand frost.

Looks

From summer to autumn, vigorous, twining stems carry 5-petalled trumpet flowers, in glowing shades of orange, yellow, red or creamy white. They open flat and often reveal dark chocolate-purple centres.

Likes

They like any fertile soil that drains easily in full sun. In hanging baskets, use good quality compost with added perlite or vermiculite for good drainage.

Dislikes

Growth will be poor on very dry or wet soils. Plants will not flower in shade.

Did you know?

Besides the annuals, thunbergias also include some shrubs and evergreen climbers suitable for conservatories.

Growing guide

Thunbergia we recommend

Buy thunbergia from RHSPlants.co.uk

Every purchase supports our work as a charity

Useful advice

Climbers: using annuals

Climbers: using annuals

Containers: summer selection

Containers: summer selection

Hanging baskets

Hanging baskets

Pergolas

Pergolas

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.