An old-fashioned favorite, black-eyed Susan vine is beloved for its cheerful yellow blossoms.

Black-eyed Susan vine is a favorite nectar source forbees and butterflies.

Pair this cheerful flowering vine with other nectar-rich plants for a grand backyard nectar buffet.

Black-Eyed Susan vine on pole

Credit: Marty Baldwin

Easy-to-grow annuals for bees and butterflies includeageratum,zinnias,cosmos, andnasturtium.

Before planting black-eyed Susan vine in a tropical climate, check your local lists of risky and invasive plants.

Plant seeds in individual pots of seed-starting mix and cover them with about 1/2 inch of soil.

‘Little Susie’ black-eyed Susan vine

Credit:Marty Baldwin

Keep seeds warm and moist as they germinate and emerge, consistently providing a strong light source.

Plant them in well-drained soil about 1/2 inch deep and cover them with a light layer of soil.

Place additional plantings approximately 12 to 18 inches apart.

‘Orange A-Peel’ black-eyed Susan vine

Credit:Denny Schrock

If you are planting multiple plants, place them about 12 to 18 inches apart.

This will help reduce stress on the growing plants and germinating seeds.

Light

Black-eyed Susan vine needs full sun to thrive and produce flowers.

Orange clock vine

Credit:Denny Schrock

The vine will tolerate partial shade, but flowering may diminish in such areas.

If growing your black-eyed Susan vine in containers, use a high-quality all-purpose potting mix that drains well.

Black-eyed Susan vines do not fare well in soggy soil and may develop rot if overwatered.

Black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia alata)

Credit: Marty Baldwin

That said, its tender vines and leaves can wilt when stressed for moisture.

Temperature and Humidity

Black-eyed Susan vines love warm, tropical climates and are not frost-tolerant.

So, they are only perennial in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11.

‘White-Eyed Susie’ black-eyed Susan vine

Credit:Jason Wilde

To that end, black-eyed Susan vine is not drought-tolerant and may grow limp in very arid climates.

It is, however, fine with humid conditions.

Deadheading is also not required to keep the plant in bloom.

Close up of purple Ageratum

Credit: Brie Williams

Place your container in a sunny spot that is protected from strong winds and harsh afternoon sun.

When the plant dies out, remove it from the container and begin again.

It climbs to 8 feet tall.

pink magenta cosmos flowers

Credit: Jon Jensen

Like many other black-eyed Susan vines, this cultivar looks great in containers.

This vine climbs 8-10 feet high with support or will scramble over the ground and become a groundcover.

They prefer full sun to partial shade and are grown as annuals in zones 2-11.

alaska nasturtium

Credit: Peter Krumhardt

Plan to direct sow cosmos seeds in your garden just before the last frost in spring.

It is easy to grow and perfect for both garden beds and borders that bask in full sunlight.

Plan to plant nasturtiums in the spring after the last frost.

pink zinnia with butterfly

Credit: Peter Krumhardt

This cottage favorite is hardy in zones 9-11 but grown as an annual elsewhere.

Zinnia

A classic flower in cottage and cutting gardens,zinniasoffer vibrant blooms and require minimal care.

Like black-eyed Susan vine, zinnias prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil.

Plan to plant them as the weather warms in the spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

In most of the United States, no.

It may self-seed when grown in more hospitable, consistently warm climates.

Several factors can stall or stop floweringand most are environmental.

If your soil is too poor or too wet, that can prevent blooms from emerging.

Your plants may also stop blooming if they have been over-fertilized.

Without proper sun exposure, your black-eyed Susan vines are unlikely to bloom.

They are also liable to grow leggy and may begin to turn yellow from a lack of chlorophyll.

you’re able to.

Indoor-grown black-eyed Susan vine is also more susceptible to infestations of whiteflies and spider mites.

Plant Threats to Pacific Ecosystems.

Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER).