Botanical Name: Thunbergia alata ‘Sunny Susy® Yellow Dark Eye’ 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: Bright Golden Yellow Blooms with Dark Centers, Fast Growth, Heat Tolerant, Continuous Blooming Uses: Containers, Hanging Baskets, Trellises, Fences, Obelisks, Mixed Planters Patent: ✔ Patented Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

More About Thunbergia ‘Sunny Susy® Yellow Dark Eye’

Thunbergia ‘Sunny Susy® Yellow Dark Eye’ delivers bold, sunshine-yellow flowers highlighted by a contrasting dark center that instantly draws the eye. The blooms appear in abundance against rich green foliage, creating a classic summer look that feels both cheerful and tropical.

Part of the improved Sunny Susy® series, this variety was bred for stronger branching, better flower coverage, and more reliable garden performance than traditional Black-Eyed Susan vines. Its rapid growth makes it an excellent choice for quickly filling vertical spaces or adding dramatic spill to containers and baskets.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Sunny Susy® Yellow Dark Eye’ has been a dependable warm-season performer, thriving in full sun, heat, and humidity without slowing down. It begins flowering early and continues steadily through the hottest part of summer with minimal care.

We especially appreciate how quickly it transforms a space. Whether climbing a trellis or cascading over the edge of a pot, it adds instant energy and movement. The bright yellow blooms hold their color well in strong sun, making this one of our favorite options for high-visibility summer displays.

Yellow Dark Eye vs. Other Black-Eyed Susan Vines

Among the group, Sunny Susy® Yellow Dark Eye remains the most traditional and high-contrast option, delivering bright golden flowers that immediately stand out compared to the softer tones of Sunny™ Rose Sensation. It offers a bolder, more energetic look than Sunny Susy® White Halo, which feels cleaner and more modern by comparison. Known for excellent branching, Yellow Eye typically fills containers faster than TowerPower Apricot, which prioritizes upward growth instead. While all four perform well in heat, Yellow Eye consistently delivers the strongest “classic summer vine” look. For gardeners who want instant color impact with proven reliability, this variety sets the benchmark.