Grow Black-eyed Susan Vine – A Bright Climber for Pots and Borders
Black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia alata) is a tropical climbing plant that can transform your garden or balcony into a colorful paradise. With its glowing flowers – often bright orange-yellow with a distinct dark “eye” in the center – black-eyed Susan vine attracts attention all summer long. The plant originates from East Africa and was introduced to Sweden as early as the 1700s, which testifies to its long history as an ornamental plant. The Swedish name svartöga naturally refers to the flower’s dark center, and in English it is fittingly called “Black-eyed Susan vine”. Thanks to its lush greenery and abundant flowering, black-eyed Susan vine has become a beloved summer flower, and it was even named Summer Flower of the Year 2023 – an award that highlights its popularity and versatility in our gardens.
As a plant, black-eyed Susan vine is actually a perennial, but in the Swedish climate it is most often grown as an annual summer flower. The twining shoots can grow more than two meters long in a single season, providing fast and lush coverage wherever it is allowed to climb. The flowers have a pleasant trumpet shape and now come in many colors beyond the classic orange with a black eye – ranging from sunny yellow and creamy white to apricot and salmon pink shades. Regardless of color, they brighten their surroundings and create a lovely, almost exotic atmosphere. In this article, you will learn more about the background and uses of black-eyed Susan vine, how to grow it successfully in different environments, care advice to help it thrive, and tips on different varieties to choose from.
The Meaning and Experiential Value of Black-eyed Susan Vine in the Garden
Black-eyed Susan vine is a plant that truly enriches the garden experience. Its lively colors and dense growth habit give the garden or balcony a cheerful and welcoming look. Because it climbs and spreads, black-eyed Susan vine can help create green “rooms” in the garden – for example by covering a trellis, pergola, or fence with its lush greenery. In this way, you can use it both to form a leafy backdrop and to naturally divide different areas of an outdoor space. When the vine’s shoots quickly cover a surface, you almost get the feeling of a small secret bower or a sheltered corner, which adds to the garden’s comfort and charm.
In addition to climbing upward, black-eyed Susan vine can also be used creatively in hanging baskets or balcony boxes, where the shoots are allowed to cascade downward like a flowering waterfall. Imagine a large summer hanging basket placed high up, from which long trailing shoots reach out and down and overflow with flowers – a true eye-catcher that brings to mind the Hanging Gardens of Babylon! Even in a large pot, black-eyed Susan vine can become a garden artwork: let it twine up a decorative trellis or obelisk in the pot, and the flowers become the crowning touch. Thanks to this versatility, black-eyed Susan vine can decorate everything from a small balcony to a large garden. Its intense flowering throughout the summer brings joy to both grower and observer – it is hard not to smile when you see the cheerful “faces” of its flowers nodding in the wind.
The cultural value of black-eyed Susan vine should not be underestimated either. Over the years, it has been a recurring favorite in summer plantings, largely because it is so reliable and easy to grow despite its exotic background. Many people have memories of black-eyed Susan vine on a grandmother’s porch or in a childhood garden, where it twined among other summer flowers. Today it continues to be an appreciated plant for anyone who wants to create color and height in their plantings. The fact that it has also been recognized by the gardening industry as a particularly valuable summer flower (including the Summer Flower of the Year award) only confirms what growers already know – black-eyed Susan vine enhances the garden with both beauty and charm.
Growing Conditions
Despite its tropical origin, black-eyed Susan vine is thankfully easy to grow during Swedish summers as long as you understand its basic needs. Here we go through what black-eyed Susan vine requires in terms of soil, light, water, and climate:
Soil: Black-eyed Susan vine thrives best in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Use a high-quality, humus-rich potting soil, preferably mixed with a little compost for extra nutrition. The soil should retain moisture without becoming waterlogged – good drainage is important so the roots do not stay too wet. In a garden bed, you can prepare the planting site by mixing the existing soil with fresh potting soil. If growing in a pot, the pot should be filled with nutrient-rich potting soil; a useful tip is to place a layer of regular potting soil at the bottom and seed-starting mix on top when sowing seeds, so the plant gets a good start and can later extend roots down into the nutrient-rich soil. Black-eyed Susan vine is not picky about soil pH; standard neutral garden soil works well as long as it is humus-rich and not overly heavy clay soil.
Light: Give black-eyed Susan vine a bright, sunny position for the best flowering. Ideally, it should receive sun for most of the day. A south- or west-facing location is excellent, but an east-facing spot with morning sun also works. In partial shade, black-eyed Susan vine can survive and grow, but flowering may be somewhat less abundant. However, avoid extremely hot locations with no shade at all – in a glazed patio room or greenhouse, the strongest midsummer heat can stress the plant, so light shading or ventilation may be needed. In general, the more sun and warmth black-eyed Susan vine receives, the more abundant and earlier the flowering tends to begin.
Water: Even watering is the key to a happy black-eyed Susan vine. Keep the soil slightly moist at all times, especially during warm summer days when the plant drinks a lot. Black-eyed Susan vine does not want to dry out completely or stand in water, so check the soil and water when the top centimeters begin to feel dry. In pots and hanging baskets, the soil dries out faster than in the ground, which means you may need to water daily during warm periods. Planting in a larger pot or using moisture-retentive containers reduces the risk of drying out. Pay extra attention to watering if black-eyed Susan vine is in full sun – its large leaves evaporate a lot of water. A sign that it is thirsty is drooping leaves; after watering, it usually perks up quickly again. At the same time, overwatering should be avoided, especially in pots, so the roots can get air – therefore drainage holes and possibly a layer of expanded clay pebbles at the bottom of pots are important.
Climate: Black-eyed Susan vine loves warmth but does not tolerate frost at all. As soon as temperatures drop toward freezing, the plant is damaged or dies, so wait to plant it out until the risk of night frost is completely over (usually after mid-May in large parts of Sweden). You can advantageously start black-eyed Susan vine from seed indoors in spring, about 6–8 weeks before planting out, to get earlier flowering. Sow the seeds indoors in March–April in small pots; the seeds germinate best if soaked for half a day before sowing and kept warm (around 20–22°C) until they sprout. Once the seedlings have emerged and it is frost-free outdoors, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions before planting them in their final location. Black-eyed Susan vine thrives in warm, sunny summers, but it can also handle cooler periods – growth is simply faster at higher temperatures. In sheltered, sunny spots, such as against a south-facing house wall, it develops best. Also keep in mind that strong winds can tear and dry out the shoots; a reasonably sheltered location is therefore preferable, or the plant should be tied up well so the wind does not pull at it. Black-eyed Susan vine is most often grown as an annual, but if you are enthusiastic you can try to overwinter it: bring the plant indoors before frost, cut it back somewhat, and place it bright and cool (preferably 10–15°C). Water very sparingly during winter. Not everyone succeeds with overwintering, but it can be worth a try for experienced growers. Otherwise, it is easy to grow new healthy black-eyed Susan vines from seed each spring.
Growing in the Garden, in Pots, and in a Greenhouse/Hanging Basket
Black-eyed Susan vine is a flexible plant that can be grown in different environments – in garden beds, in large pots on a patio or balcony, and in hanging baskets or in a greenhouse. Below are practical tips for the different growing methods:
In a garden bed: Choose a sunny spot with loose, nutrient-rich soil. Improve the soil if necessary before planting so it becomes humus-rich and well-drained. Plant out pre-grown black-eyed Susan vine plants after the last frost, or set out purchased plants, with a spacing of about 30–50 cm (the shoots will quickly fill the gaps). Provide something to climb on already at planting time – this can be a trellis against a wall, a decorative reinforcing mesh, bamboo stakes, or wires. The vine naturally twines around slender supports; you can gently help at the beginning by winding the longest shoots onto the support until they “find their way”. Once it has gained a hold, it will climb eagerly on its own. Water newly planted black-eyed Susan vine well and then continue to water regularly so the soil stays moist. In a bed, you can mulch around the base with grass clippings or bark to retain moisture and add extra nutrients. Black-eyed Susan vine pairs nicely with other summer flowers – for example, it can climb among shrubs or taller perennials and add an unexpected splash of color. Just keep in mind that it grows quickly; monitor it so it does not smother delicate neighbors.
In a pot on a balcony or patio: Black-eyed Susan vine is excellent to grow in a substantial pot if you have limited garden space or want to decorate a patio, balcony, or entrance. Choose a large pot, preferably at least 10–20 liters, so the roots have plenty of space and the soil does not dry out too quickly. Make sure the pot has drainage holes and consider adding a layer of expanded clay pebbles at the bottom. Fill with nutrient-rich potting soil. Plant one or two black-eyed Susan vine plants per pot (depending on the pot size – they grow strongly!). At planting time, insert a small trellis, a few tall stakes, or another support in the pot if you want the plant to climb upward. You can also place the pot near a railing or wall with a climbing support, and the plant will soon find its way there. On a balcony, the shoots can even be guided up along the balcony railing to create a green wall. An alternative is to let them spill over the pot edge – they will trail downward and create a beautiful cascade. The pot should be placed as bright and sunny as possible. Water regularly; a potted black-eyed Susan vine may need water every day in hot weather, as a sunny balcony quickly dries the soil. Add nutrients regularly (more on fertilizing below) to compensate for the fact that the soil in a pot becomes depleted quickly. If you have a glazed patio room or veranda, you can place the pot there early in spring for a head start – but remember to harden off the plant before leaving it fully outdoors day and night. Black-eyed Susan vine can also manage indoors in a very bright south-facing window as a temporary potted plant, but it generally thrives better outdoors in fresh air during summer.
In a hanging basket: Planting black-eyed Susan vine in a hanging basket is a fantastic way to use its natural tendency to twine and trail. Choose a large hanging basket or pot, preferably with moisture-retentive lining (such as moisture-holding moss or coconut fiber) to help the soil retain moisture. Plant 2–3 plants in one basket for a truly full result. Place the basket in a sunny spot – for example under eaves, in a garden pavilion, or hanging from a pergola or balcony edge. Black-eyed Susan vine will quickly grow over the edge and let the shoots hang decoratively. You can also insert a few short support sticks in the basket and guide some shoots upward at first, to create a more rounded fullness before they trail down. Water often – in a hanging basket it is even windier and dries even faster than in a normal pot, so on hot days both morning and evening watering may be needed. Feed regularly (small weekly doses are easiest) because the limited amount of soil quickly runs out of nutrients when the plant grows so vigorously. A hanging basket with black-eyed Susan vine truly provides eye-catching color at height and is a lovely welcoming feature at an entrance or on a balcony.
In a greenhouse or conservatory: If you have access to a greenhouse, orangery, or conservatory, you can of course grow black-eyed Susan vine there as well. In a summer greenhouse, it can be planted to quickly cover walls or roof beams with greenery – the warm, protected environment often makes the plant grow even faster and bloom abundantly. Just make sure to ventilate well on hot days, as temperatures under glass can become very high and may stress the plant (black-eyed Susan vine likes warmth but can wilt if it becomes too hot without airflow). One tip is to use black-eyed Susan vine as a natural shading plant in the greenhouse: let it climb toward the roof during summer, and its foliage can provide light shade for more sensitive plants inside. In a conservatory or glazed patio that remains frost-free, you can try to overwinter black-eyed Susan vine and keep it as a permanent climber. In that case, cut it back somewhat in autumn and keep it at a cooler temperature (around 10–15°C) during winter with very sparse watering, so it partly rests. Remember that even indoors or in a greenhouse, black-eyed Susan vine needs periods of direct sun to be able to flower, so do not place it in a corner that is too shady. The following spring, you can gradually increase watering and warmth and it will start growing again. Many growers, however, prefer to grow new fresh plants each year from seed instead, as these tend to flower best.
In summary, there is almost no limit to how you can grow black-eyed Susan vine – in open ground, pots, hanging baskets, or under glass – as long as you give it the conditions mentioned above. Choose the method that suits your growing space and your creativity!
Care Advice
Once your black-eyed Susan vine has become established in its growing location, it is relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things to keep in mind to help it thrive and keep blooming abundantly:
Watering: As mentioned, black-eyed Susan vine likes an even supply of water. Check the soil often and water as soon as it begins to dry out. Especially plants in pots and hanging baskets may need daily attention. Avoid drowning the roots, however; pour off excess water that collects in saucers or outer pots to prevent oxygen deficiency around the roots. A useful trick during vacations is to use self-watering containers or an irrigation system so your black-eyed Susan vine does not dry out if you are away for a few days. The plant shows thirst quickly through drooping leaves, but it also recovers quickly after watering.
Fertilizing: Black-eyed Susan vine is a nutrient-demanding climber that blooms all summer, so regular feeding makes a big difference. The best method is to add liquid fertilizer to the watering water at regular intervals – for example a weak dose of flowering plant feed every week or every other week from spring to late summer. This provides continuous nutrition that supports both growth and bud formation. You can also mix in some slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting (such as pelleted manure or slow-release granules) as a base, but ideally supplement with liquid feed during peak season. If you notice the leaves turning yellow despite watering, it may be a sign of nutrient deficiency – give an extra dose of fertilizer. However, be careful not to overdose strong fertilizers; follow instructions, as too much nutrition at once can damage roots. A well-fed black-eyed Susan vine produces masses of flowers continuously.
Support and guiding: Because black-eyed Susan vine grows as a twining climber, it needs help to stay upright and in the right place. Make sure to provide something to climb on from the start – a trellis, netting, sticks, or strings. As it grows, you may need to redirect shoots: sometimes they start climbing into nearby plants or spreading in the wrong direction. In that case, gently loosen a shoot and wind it around the correct support again. Black-eyed Susan vine does not use suction cups or aerial roots (as ivy does), but twines its entire stem around a support. This means it does not damage surfaces and is easy to remove in autumn, but it also means it needs something slender to grab at first. Thin bamboo sticks, strings, or metal wires stretched against a wall are ideal for the first turns. Once the shoot has caught on, it will spiral upward by itself. If you grow it in a hanging basket, no upward support is needed of course, but make sure to hang the basket where the shoots can trail down freely without obstacles. Black-eyed Susan vine climbs quickly, so check it regularly and tie up or redirect shoots that have gone astray. This care step is actually quite fun – you get to interact with the plant and shape how it takes its place!
Pruning and pinching: During a single summer season, black-eyed Susan vine usually does not need much pruning beyond removing dead parts. However, it can be beneficial to pinch out the tips (pinch back the plant) on young plants when they reach about 15–20 cm in height. By pinching off the tip of the main shoot, you encourage branching, resulting in a bushier plant with more flowering shoots instead of one long shoot stretching away immediately. After pinching, side shoots develop and can later climb as well. You can repeat this lightly a few times early in the season if the plant is leggy, but stop pinching once it has started climbing properly so you do not delay flowering too much (each pinching can temporarily postpone bud formation slightly). Seasonal tidying mostly involves removing yellowing leaves and spent blooms if they do not drop on their own. Black-eyed Susan vine often has a self-cleaning bloom (old flowers fall off and new ones appear), but you can tidy it up as needed. If a shoot becomes far too long or straggly, you can trim it back slightly; the plant tolerates light trimming and usually produces new shoots below the cut. If your black-eyed Susan vine is affected by pests such as aphids or spider mites (which can happen especially if it is kept indoors or in a greenhouse for a longer period), treat it as soon as possible – rinse the foliage and use environmentally friendly control methods if needed. Outdoors, pest insects rarely become a major problem for black-eyed Susan vine; it is quite robust, but still keep an eye on the undersides of leaves where unwanted visitors may appear.
Overwintering: If you plan to try overwintering your black-eyed Susan vine, as mentioned you should bring it indoors before frost. Cut back the shoots to perhaps half or a third of their length – this makes handling easier and reduces evaporation when light levels decrease. Place it bright and cool. During winter, water very sparingly, only enough so the root ball does not dry out completely. Some leaves will yellow and drop; this is normal. In February–March, you can cut it back further if it is leggy, start watering a little more, and perhaps repot into fresh soil. Then it can produce new healthy shoots. Keep in mind that an overwintered plant can be a bit slower to start than one grown fresh from seed, but it can be a fun experiment for an experienced grower. Otherwise, it is perfectly fine to compost the plant in autumn and look forward to growing new plants next year.
In summary, care is about providing water, nutrients, and guidance to this eager climber. With regular attention and a bit of patience to manage the shoots now and then, black-eyed Susan vine will do the rest by growing and flowering generously.
Variety Selection: Color Variations and Characteristics
One of the fun aspects of black-eyed Susan vine is that there are so many beautiful varieties and color variations to choose from. The original wild form has orange-yellow flowers with a black center, but plant breeders have developed a wide palette of colors to suit every taste and planting theme. Here are some examples and tips for choosing varieties:
Classic orange and yellow tones: If you love the traditional look of black-eyed Susan vine, choose varieties with the typical warm yellow or orange color and a black eye. For example, ‘Sunrise Orange’ and ‘African Sunset’ are hybrids that produce wonderful sunshine-yellow to apricot-orange flowers with a contrasting dark center. These varieties deliver that true summer feeling of a sunset in flower form. Simple seed mixes sold as “Black-eyed Susan vine mix” often also include yellow and orange shades that stay true to the original.
White and cream shades: For a calmer color palette, black-eyed Susan vine is also available in white or cream. The variety ‘Alba Oculata’ has pure white petals with a black eye – very striking as a contrast plant, for example with blue clematis or red geraniums. There are also white variants without a black eye, sometimes called “Black-eyed Susan without an eye” or simply white black-eyed Susan vine, where the flower’s center is yellow-green instead of black. These give a sweet impression, almost like small candles glowing in the greenery in the evening. White and cream black-eyed Susan vines are ideal if you want a softer color scheme or want to combine them with other pastel flowers.
Peach, pink, and red tones: In recent years, exciting new shades in pink and peach have appeared. A popular variety is ‘Susie Sunset’ (sometimes sold as the Susie series), which includes flowers in salmon pink, apricot, and soft yellow tones – many with the typical dark eye. There is also a variety marketed as ‘Pink black-eyed Susan vine’ or Rose Sensation, with beautifully pink flowers that truly surprise on a black-eyed Susan vine. More red-orange tones have also been bred, such as ‘Susie Red Orange’, which has intensely orange to reddish flowers (often with a black eye). These new colors make it possible to match black-eyed Susan vine with other flowers in harmonizing tones – imagine the pink variety twining together with delicate pink stock flowers or white trailing lobelia in a romantic hanging basket!
Mixed color combinations: If it is hard to choose just one color, there are seed mixes that produce multiple colors in the same packet. Series such as ‘Susie Mix’ or ‘African Sunset Mix’ contain seeds that bloom in a spectrum of shades. With such mixes, you get a delightful surprise and a naturally varied result – perfect if you want a bohemian, colorful look. Note that when sowing mixed seeds, the proportion of each color can vary, so sometimes one tone dominates. But it can also create a composition all on its own. If you buy ready-grown plants from a garden center, the label usually clearly indicates the color (or if it is a mix). Choose your favorite colors and feel free to combine different varieties if you like – they grow similarly, so you can absolutely have, for example, an orange and a white black-eyed Susan vine together on the same trellis for a beautiful contrast.
When choosing a variety, you can also consider with or without an “eye”. The characteristic black eye is charming and adds drama to the flower, but varieties without a black center (where the throat of the flower is light yellow or greenish) can sometimes appear more elegant in their solid-colored look. Both have their appeal, so it is mostly a matter of taste. In cultivation terms, they are the same – the color does not affect how you care for the plant, so feel free to mix! Black-eyed Susan vine is often sold as part of the summer flower selection in spring, and you can find young plants in trays with different colors. Growing from seed is also rewarding; the seeds are fairly large and easy to handle, and within a couple of weeks you will see the first leaves. If you choose to collect your own seeds from black-eyed Susan vine, you should know that many hybrids do not produce seed that is identical to the parent plant (they may cross or produce unexpected colors the following year). But of course, it can also be exciting to see what you get!
No matter which variety you choose, your black-eyed Susan vine will offer abundant flowering and eager climbing growth. You can therefore safely choose according to taste and preference. Perhaps you want the classic sunshine-yellow for maximum summer feeling, or try a new trendy color for variety. The most important thing is that you feel inspired by the colors – the rest is taken care of by the plant.
Author: Emma Vogiatzi
Fact-checked by: Erik Hoekstra
Last updated: 2025-11-27