Thunbergia grandiflora (Bengal Clock Vine, Sky Flower)


Botanical Information

FamilyAcanthaceae
GenusThunbergia
Speciesgrandiflora
CategoryAnnuals, Tropicals
TypeVine

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8a-11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height5-6 m
Spread38-45 cm
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodJanuary, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionBengal clock vine is an easy to care for plant that can quickly cover a fence or pergola. The gorgeous showy flowers and lush foliage make this a choice addition to any garden.
LandscapeAs a floral specimen, use both leaves and blossoms in arrangements. Outdoors as a perennial, plant alongside cannas, interspersed with ferns and hostas, or near a water feature. Use as a house plant in zones where the ground freezes.
PropagationPropagate by division, or from leaf or stem cutting.
CultivationThunbergia favors quite rich, organic soil and requires structural support. It may need to be cut back often to control direction or size or allow it to roam free if you have the space.
HabitatNative to India.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are leathery and have a distinctive elongated heart shape.
Flower DescriptionThe tubular flowers of the skyflower vine are about 7.5 cm long, and are borne in drooping clusters. The most commonly seen varieties are sky blue to light violet although there is a white flowered type as well.

Photographs