Thunbergia alata African Sunset Mix | Black-eyed Susan

Thunbergia alata ‘African Sunset Mix’ | Black-Eyed Susan Vine | Unique Climbing Annual

Thunbergia alata ‘African Sunset Mix’, also known as Black-Eyed Susan Vine, is a truly eye-catching annual climber celebrated for its warm, sunset-inspired hues — shades of apricot, buff, salmon, and soft red, each bloom highlighted by a striking dark burgundy center. Fast-growing and versatile, this tropical beauty adds instant color and romance to any garden setting.

Perfect for trellises, fences, or hanging baskets, African Sunset can also be grown as a ground cover or patio container climber. It’s a vibrant performer all summer long, flowering continuously from late spring until autumn frost.

Plant Details

• Botanical name: Thunbergia alata
• Variety: ‘African Sunset Mix’
• Common name: Black-Eyed Susan Vine
• Family: Acanthaceae
• Type: Tender perennial, often grown as an annual
• Height: 150–200 cm (5–7 ft)
• Spread: 45 cm (18 in)
• Flower color: Mix of red, apricot, buff, and pink shades with dark burgundy eyes
• Blooming period: May – October
• Position: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained
• Uses: Climber for trellises, fences, containers, or ground cover

🌱 How to Sow and Grow

When to Sow:

• Indoors: Late autumn to late winter
• Outdoors: Direct sow after the last frost (April–June)

How to Sow:

• Surface sow seeds on moist, well-drained compost.
• Cover lightly with 10 mm of vermiculite.
• Maintain 20°C until germination (14–21 days).
• Once germinated, reduce temperature to 15°C and keep soil slightly dry.
• Transplant seedlings into 8 cm pots or directly outside after frost danger has passed.
• Space plants 30 cm apart.

Growing Tips:

• Provide a frame, trellis, or netting for climbing support.
• Can also be grown as a ground cover or in hanging baskets.
• Feed every 4–6 weeks for strong growth and prolific flowering.

Overwintering:
Lift plants before frost, trim back, and overwinter indoors in bright, frost-free conditions. Alternatively, collect seeds for next year’s sowing.

Why Grow Thunbergia ‘African Sunset Mix’?

✔ Unique and exotic sunset tones – red, apricot, and golden buff
✔ Vigorous climbing habit ideal for trellises and fences
✔ Long flowering season – from May to October
✔ Easy to grow, even for beginners
✔ Excellent for containers, patios, or vertical gardens