Overview
Thunbergia erecta is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Thunbergia, part of the Acanthaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Thunbergia erecta 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 erecta, commonly known as bush clock vine or king's mantle, is an evergreen climbing plant within the Thunbergia genus. It thrives in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect with well-drained, neutral loam soil. This cultivar is hardy to UK zone H2 and is best grown in fertile soil with roots kept in shade. It is suitable for cottage and informal gardens, patios, city courtyards, and flower borders, offering interest in spring and summer. Propagation can be achieved through seed or semi-ripe cuttings.
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 erecta 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 erecta
- 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 erecta?
Thunbergia erecta prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Thunbergia erecta need?
Thunbergia erecta grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Thunbergia erecta hardy in the UK?
Thunbergia erecta 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 erecta?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.
More in the Thunbergia genus
- Thunbergiaclock vine
- 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 erecta 'Alba'
