Thunbergia Erecta: The Elegant Bush Clock Vine

Thunbergia erecta, commonly known as King’s Mantle or the Bush Clock Vine. Though it might not be as famous as roses or hibiscus, this plant is a hidden gem in the garden world. With its rich purple petals and striking yellow throat, Thunbergia erecta is a plant that demands a second glance—and deserves its place in the spotlight.Thunbergia erecta is a flowering shrub or semi-climber from the family Acanthaceae, native to West Africa. It’s a cousin of the more popular Thunbergia alata (Black-eyed Susan vine), but instead of climbing aggressively, this species grows more like a bush or a soft, sprawling shrub. It is evergreen in tropical climates and known for its vibrant trumpet-shaped flowers that appear almost year-round.

The name "King’s Mantle" is inspired by the flower’s majestic color combination—royal purple petals with a golden yellow throat, resembling the luxurious robes of nobility. Just one flower looks regal on its own, and a full shrub in bloom is a breathtaking sight.One of the reasons I enjoy Thunbergia erecta is because it’s easy to grow and low maintenance, especially in warm, tropical, or subtropical climates. It's also very adaptable—it can be grown in the ground or in large containers.

One of the greatest joys of growing Thunbergia erecta is its almost continuous blooming. In warm climates, you’ll see flowers throughout most of the year. The blooms are also pollinator-friendly, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden.The bright contrast between the purple and yellow makes the flowers pop against the green foliage—perfect for hedges, borders, or just as a standalone accent plant.