Bush Clockvine – Thunbergia erecta

Bush Clockvine is also called Kings Mantle. It is a rampant woody plant from tropical Africa. Leaves are small 2 inch long oval to arrow shaped arranged opposite on slender woody stems. Plants can grow 6 feet tall with a similar spread. Bush Clockvine produces purple to light blue tubular flowers just over an inch in diameter with deep yellow throats. They grow year around in tropical to subtropical zones, bearing a slight fragrance. Flowers are not long lived but new blooms are produced daily.  Unlike most thunbergia this variety is not a climber but produces a sprawling bush with stems that may be trained to a trellis or grown in a container.

Thunbergi erecta is suitable for full sun to partial shade locations. Soil preferences are well drained, neutral pH, sand, loam or clay. Once established the vine has some drought tolerance but requires average irrigation at establishment.  The plant does not set seed that produces true plants so propagation is through stem cuttings. It is less invasive than most of the species due to a smaller root system and non-seeding properties.

Clockvine is hardy in United States Department of Agriculture zones 10 to 11 but can be used as an annual in temperate zones. There is now a white flowering variety but it is less hardy and produces a smaller bloom and bush.

Descriptions

• Seedlings - No information.
• Stems - Green to reddish, clumping, rangy
• Leaves - Slender, 2 inches long, arrow to oval
• Flowers - Lavender to blue/ White available
• Fruits - No information.
• Seeds - No information.
• Roots - Not invasive

Plant Details

• Type - Perennial
• USDA Zones - USDA 10-11
• Flower Colors - Lavender blooms, light blue, white, green and red stems
• Plant Height - 6 feet
• Plant Width - 4-6 feet
• Bloomtime Period - Summer to Fall, Year around in Tropical regions
• Native Habitat - No
• Toxicity and allergic reactions - No information.
• What Parts Toxic - No information.
• Toxic to humans - No information.
• Toxic to cats - No information.
• Toxic to dogs - No information.
• Edible - No information.
• Edible Parts - No information.
• Spacing - 18-24 inches
• Planting Depth - No information.
• Invasive - No
• Special Features - No information.

Growing Information

• Light Requirement - Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements - Well draining, sand, loam, clay
• Care Information - Average water, prune to maintain shape, stake up if required
• Propagation Methods - Stem cuttings
• Harvest Information - No information.
• Seed Collection Information - No information.
• Pruning - To maintain shape, can affect number of blooms
• Common Pests - No information.
• Common Diseases - No serious disease
• Landscape Uses - No information.

Facts & Trivia