Thunbergia grandiflora aka Bengal Clockvine

Taxonomy

Thunbergia grandiflora, also known as Bengal clockvine, Bengal trumpet, blue skyflower, blue thunbergia, blue trumpetvine, clockvine, skyflower, or skyvine, is an evergreen vine in the family Acanthaceae. It is native to China, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Indochina, and Myanmar, and can be found naturalized in other regions. This vigorous climber can reach heights of 6m or more, with heart-shaped, coarsely-toothed leaves. Its racemes bear trumpet-shaped flowers that are light violet-blue, measuring 7cm across, with yellow throats. Thunbergia grandiflora is a woody-stemmed, tropical climber that can grow up to 15-30' in frost-free areas, or 6-8' in a single season when grown as an annual. The dark green leaves are elliptic to heart-shaped and covered with soft hairs. The lavender blue flowers, measuring up to 3", appear singly or in clusters from summer to early fall, blooming year-round in tropical climates. The genus name honors Carl Peter Thunberg, a Swedish botanist, while the specific epithet refers to its large flowers.

Common names

Bengal Clockvine, Bengal Trumpet, Clockvine

How to care for Bengal Clockvine

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Bengal Clockvine due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Bengal Clockvine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Bengal Clockvine loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Bengal Clockvine thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Clockvine.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.


More info:
Wikipedia