A Beginner’s Guide to Cultivating Black-Eyed Susan Vines in Your Garden

The Black-Eyed Susan Vine is a classic and well-loved ornamental plant that features bright yellow flowers that bloom from the middle of summer until the onset of fall. This delicate evergreen perennial is perfect for short trellises, window boxes, and baskets as it attracts various pollinators like bees and butterflies. Despite its name, the Black-Eyed Susan Vine is not related to the Rudbeckia flower but is equally charming. While it may take a while to start growing in the spring and early summer, once it begins, it blossoms vigorously at a time when other perennials and annuals are taking a break. To create a beautiful pollinator garden, consider incorporating the Black-Eyed Susan Vine, which is an annual or a perennial vine that thrives in full sun, grows between 3 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide, and has orange, pink, or white flowers with chartreuse or gold foliage. It is also low maintenance and suitable for zones 10 and 11, and propagation can be done through seeds or stem cuttings.

The black-eyed Susan vine is a flowering plant that thrives in rich, well-draining soil and loves to climb poles, lampposts, trees, and other structures. It adds an annual burst of color and height to summer gardens and is a favorite nectar source for bees and butterflies. However, it tends to be tender, so it’s best planted in an area protected from strong winds and harsh afternoon sun. To maximize its growing season, start planting black-eyed Susan vine seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in spring, and transplant them outdoors once nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Black-eyed Susan vine prefers fertile, well-drained soil, full sun, and regular watering throughout the growing season. It blooms until temperatures fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and if grown as a container plant, choose a container that is approximately 10 to 12 inches in diameter. It’s relatively problem-free but may be susceptible to whiteflies, spider mites, and plant scale in some locations. Finally, the ‘Little Susie’ black-eyed Susan vine is a popular variety among gardeners.

This delightful plant, known as Thunbergia alata, features charming white blossoms with a unique chocolate-purple middle. It has the ability to climb up to 8 feet in height. Another great choice is the ‘Orange A-Peel’ black-eyed Susan vine.

When you lay your eyes on the vibrant orange petals and earthy brown center of the Thunbergia alata plant, commonly known as ‘Orange A-Peel’, it’s easy to understand how it got its name. This black-eyed Susan vine variety is a stunning addition to any container garden, much like other cultivars in the family.

If you’re searching for a plant that’s similar to the black-eyed Susan vine but with distinct features, Thunbergia gregorii might be your answer. Its stunning, vibrant orange flowers don’t have a dark center and are a highlight of this plant. It can grow up to 8-10 feet tall if supported, while also functioning as a groundcover if left alone. While it can survive as a perennial in zones 10-11, it’s typically grown as an annual. On the other hand, the ‘Sunny Lemon Star’ black-eyed Susan vine is another option to consider.

This type of Thunbergia alata displays large yellow blooms with brown centers and can reach a height of up to 8 feet. It is commonly known as the ‘White-Eyed Susie’ black-eyed Susan vine.

If you’re looking for a plant that produces an abundance of white flowers with striking black centers, the ‘White-Eyed Susie’ cultivar of Thunbergia alata is a great option. It can be grown as a perennial in zones 10-11 or an annual in zones 2-9. As for companion plants, Ageratum is a good choice to pair with Black-Eyed Susan Vine.

BOB STEFKO
Ageratum, also known as floss flower, can add a touch of whimsy to your garden with its petite pom-pom blooms adorned with flossy filaments. These flowers are a favorite among pollinators and can bloom from late spring all the way up to the first frost. Ageratum thrives in full to partial sun and is typically grown as an annual in zones 2-11.

Cosmos

Cosmos are a charming plant that can brighten up any wildflower or cottage garden with their beautiful daisy-like flowers and soft, fern-like leaves. They’re a favorite of beginner gardeners and kids alike because they’re so easy to grow. To ensure that your cosmos thrive, it’s best to plant them in well-drained soil and full sun, although you may need to stake them if they grow too tall. If you’re planning on growing cosmos from seed, it’s best to sow them directly in your garden just before the last frost in the spring.

If you’re looking for a quick-growing and unique addition to your garden, then consider planting some Nasturtiums! These beautiful heirloom annual vines are known for their slightly succulent stems and rounded green leaves that resemble miniature lotus leaves. They’re incredibly easy to grow and thrive in areas that receive full sunlight – making them perfect for borders and garden beds alike. Just be sure to plant them in the spring after the last frost has passed. While they’re hardy in zones 9-11, they can be grown as an annual just about anywhere.

Another great option to add to your garden is the Zinnia. With their vibrant colors and varying shapes and sizes, these flowers are a popular choice for gardeners everywhere. They’re easy to grow from seed and prefer full sun, making them a great addition to any sunny patch of land. Plus, they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them not only beautiful but beneficial to the environment as well. So why not add a few Zinnias to your garden this year and enjoy their stunning beauty all season long?

Peter Krumhardt suggests that zinnias are a popular flower for both cottage and cutting gardens due to their colorful blooms and low-maintenance needs. Similar to the black-eyed Susan vine, these flowers thrive in full sun and well-draining soil that is kept moist. As annuals that prefer warmer temperatures, they grow best during the spring, summer, and fall months. Planting them in the spring as the weather warms up would be ideal.