Overview
Thunbergia is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Thunbergia, part of the Acanthaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Thunbergia grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, city and courtyard gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Thunbergia, commonly known as clock vine, is a climbing evergreen plant from the Acanthaceae family. It thrives in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect with well-drained, neutral loam soil. This cultivar features twining growth with simple, opposite leaves and trumpet- or salver-shaped flowers that bloom singly or in racemes during spring and summer. Suitable for cottage gardens, patios, city courtyards, and flower borders, it prefers fertile soil with roots shaded and can be propagated by seed or semi-ripe cuttings. It is hardy to UK zone H2.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Thunbergia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Thunbergia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Thunbergia
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Glasshouse red spider mite, Glasshouse whitefly, Scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Thunbergia?
Thunbergia prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Thunbergia need?
Thunbergia grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Thunbergia hardy in the UK?
Thunbergia has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Thunbergia?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.
More in the Thunbergia genus
- Thunbergia alata 'Lemon Queen'black-eyed Susan 'Lemon Queen'
- Thunbergia alata 'Orange Beauty'black-eyed Susan 'Orange Beauty'
- Thunbergia alata 'Salmon Shades'
- Thunbergia alata 'Susie Orange Black Eye' (Susie Series)
- Thunbergia battiscombei
- Thunbergia coccinea
- Thunbergia erectabush clock vine
- Thunbergia erecta 'Alba'