Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata)

1 July 2002, Laguna Beach CA - my prolific Thunbergia.

Just love the look of these guys! I'm interested in growing them as an annual, but our season is short. Do they take a long time from germination til bloom?

They say you can start them indoors, but I've never had the need. This plant is 7' tall and three years old. But as soon as they have foliage they seem to have flowers. Grows like crazy in the heat of summer so I would think if you tried starting it indoors and waiting until it's quite warm, you would have a decent-sized summer annual.

It would be so incredible to be able to have some of my favorite "annuals" growing as perennials in a warm climate. I've become so used to treating them as annuals, I've forgotten they survive year 'round elsewhere! It seems to me that most perennials that like to climb also like warm climates.

Well, yes, those vines do tend to thrive here. The morning glory, for instance, has grown to cover the entire roof! The thunbergia is in a pot on a deck with cape honeysuckle behind it (grown to a hedge which is at the top of the second story) and the thunbergia is twining its way through the hedge and contrasting nicely with the orange. A couple of miles down Pacific Coast Highway they use the thunbergia as a roadside bank cover! But here's the rub: I can't grow peonies or lilacs, two of my favorite spring flowers (and scents). Is this a "grass is always greener" thread?

Yes, how true, stellapathic! Lilacs are a bit touchy here, and I've never had much luck with peonies, but other folks in town have. Where we really shine is all the cool weather plants. Those that only grow in the cooler parts of the year elsewhere are summer stunners for us. Bleeding heart doesn't die back until late fall, and the oriental poppies are green most of the summer. Lettuce can be side-picked and a head can last all season. However, I can't help envying all your lovely old growth beauties!

Such a simple and beautiful flower! I am planning on planting them soon just outside my front door, but have such a fear of spiders that I'm hesitant when it comes to any vining plant. Are they a haven for spiders, and should I consider something else? I'm hoping you can help me BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!

I love these flowers. they look almost cartoonish, they are so perfect.
I have had these for several years and they do not seem to be a spider magnet. The plant is very dense and not woody. They like my climbing nasturtiums though.

I've never had a problem with spiders on this one either. I brought one in this winter and it had a bad case of spider mites before I washed it thoroughly and put it back outside. The spiders have decided to do their nesting in my calla lily this year, for whatever reason. I actually welcome them, they take care of lots of nasty bugs. I just like knowing pretty much where they hang out so I don't find one crawling on my neck or worse.

I'm new to this plant. I LOVE IT! I would like to know if I leave it in a pot on my porch to climb do I need to collect seeds for next season or will they fall into the garden beneath naturally?
How do I collect the seeds? I am not familiar with this process on any plant. I would like to give some away to friends and family.

Here's an article I found on it. I don't have this particular plant any longer as it stayed in Laguna Beach when I moved and I haven't found the perfect spot for one here. As I recall though I had volunteers growing in pots next to it. In your climate I'd probably save some seed, which is pretty easy on this plant, and plant in spring. http://www.plantzafrica.com/planttuv/thunbergalata.htm

Thank you! That is very helpful! I know my family will love it! I like to introduce them to the more rare, exotic, and bright colored plants and animals (pets). They think I'm a little odd from time to time. But this won't be one of those times for a change:):) Thanks again.