This vigorous vine has woody twining stems that can grows to 7m (21ft) in height and forms a dense cover. It has large leathery dark green leaves and the pale blue funnel-shaped flowers appear in a drooping cluster from spring to summer.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Thunbergia grandiflora is naturally found in tropical India growing in scrubland or on the trees in forests.

It prefers an organic rich well drained moderately fertile moist light soil with a pH range from 5.5 to 6.5 and grows in an open sunny position and is frost and drought tender.

The Bengal Clock Vineis grown for its blue flowers and its vigorous growth habit. It is trained over wire fences or structures forming a dense cover and is used for screening. It is also used for a tropical effect and in cool regions it is planted in a conservatory or glasshouse. In warmer areas the flowers appear throughout the year and the plant establishes in one season and is long lived. Under ideal conditions this vine self sows readily and may be regarded as a weed. ID 62

Thunbergia(thun-BERG-ee-a) grandiflora(grănd-i-FLÔ-ra)

"Thunbergia" commemorates Swedish botanical author Carl Thunberg; "grandiflora", Latin, meaning "large flowers".

Acanthaceae(ah-kanth-AY-see-ee)
Acanthus Family