Botanical Name: Thunbergia alata ‘Sunny™ Rose Sensation’

Common Name: Black-Eyed Susan Vine

Hardiness Zone: Grown as an Annual in All Climates

Size: 48–72" Tall × 18–24" Spread (Trailing / Climbing)

Growth Habit: Vigorous, Trailing, Climbing, Well-Branched

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil: Well-Drained, Fertile Soil

Water Needs: Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Late Spring through Frost

Fertilizer: Light, Regular Feeding for Best Flowering

Features: Rosy-Pink Blooms with Dark Centers, Strong Summer Color, Heat Tolerant, Continuous Blooming, Improved Branching

Uses: Containers, Hanging Baskets, Trellises, Fences, Obelisks, Mixed Planters

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

More About Thunbergia ‘Sunny™ Rose Sensation’

Thunbergia ‘Sunny™ Rose Sensation’ brings a richer, more saturated color palette to the Black-Eyed Susan vine category, featuring warm rose-pink blooms accented by a deep contrasting center. The flowers stand out beautifully against dark green foliage, offering a softer yet more sophisticated look compared to traditional yellow varieties. Bloom production is heavy and continuous, creating a full, high-impact display from early summer well into fall.

Developed with the same improved genetics that define modern Sunny-series Thunbergia, this variety offers stronger branching, better flower coverage, and more consistent performance than older seed-grown vines. Growth is fast but controlled, allowing it to climb, trail, or spill without becoming coarse or leggy. It adapts easily to containers or vertical structures while maintaining a polished appearance throughout the season.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Sunny™ Rose Sensation’ has proven to be a reliable warm-season performer, holding its flower color exceptionally well even in intense sun and prolonged heat. It begins blooming early and maintains steady flower production through peak summer without requiring heavy feeding or constant attention.

What stands out most is the color depth. The rose tones remain rich rather than washing out, making this variety especially effective in upscale containers, mixed planters, and prominent garden placements. It brings movement, texture, and refined color without sacrificing vigor.

Sunny™ Rose Sensation vs. Other Black-Eyed Susan Vines

Compared to Sunny Susy® Yellow Dark Eye, Sunny™ Rose Sensation trades classic contrast for deeper, more refined color, offering rose-pink blooms that feel softer and more upscale in containers. Against Sunny Susy® White Halo, it delivers more visual warmth and saturation, especially noticeable in full sun where White Halo leans crisp and bright. While both Sunny selections maintain controlled growth and strong branching, Rose Sensation reads slightly bolder from a distance due to its richer flower tone. Compared to TowerPower Apricot, Rose Sensation stays more compact and container-focused, rather than pushing vertical growth. This makes it the best choice when color depth and polish matter more than height or coverage.