Sky Vine

Location

Rose Garden

Thunbergia grandiflora

  • Common Name: Sky Vine (other common names: Blue Trumpet Vine, Clock Vine, Sky Flower).
  • Scientific Name: Thunbergia grandiflora
  • Family Name: Acanthaceae
  • Origin: Native to India, China and Myanmar
  • Height: 15’ – 30’
  • Width: 3’ – 6’
  • Growth: Fast growth – can grow 6’-8’ long in a single season.
  • Zone: 10A – 11
  • Light Needs: Full sun – partial shade.
  • Salt Tolerance:  Unknown
  • Soil/PH/Texture: Grows best in organically rich soil but will tolerate many soils (slightly acidic – slightly alkaline (pH 6.1 – 7.8).
  • Soil Moisture: Medium moisture in a well-drained soil, likes to stay moist and not dry out.
  • Drought Tolerance: Moderate drought and humidity tolerant.
  • Pests/Diseases: No serious insect or disease problems, but can get scale, spider mites and whiteflies.
  • Growing Conditions: Low maintenance.
  • Characteristics: Elliptic to heart-shaped dark green leaves can get 4”-8” long and are covered with soft fuzzy hairs. Trumpet shaped flowers (to 3”) are lavender blue with yellow throats. Its lavender blue flowers appear singly or in clusters (racemes) in the summer to early fall and will bloom year-round in tropical climates. Fruits are only produced in warmer climates.
  • Propagation: By dividing root ball, leaf or stem cuttings and seed.
  • Wildlife: Attracts bees and butterflies.
  • Facts: Can be used as a medicinal plant, for poles, for green manure, hedges and for fuelwood. T. grandiflora is a fast-growing vine that climbs and has been known to smother vegetation up to 12 metres above ground, reducing light levels for lower vegetation. It has been included in the Global Invasive Species Database.
  • Designer Considerations: Great for trellises, arbors, pergolas, anywhere it can climb on a supporting structure. Also great for hanging baskets.
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