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Thunbergia, Blue Trumpet Vine, Sky Flower

Thunbergia, Blue Trumpet Vine, Sky Flower
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Invasive Plant
Thunbergia, Blue Trumpet Vine, Sky Flower
Thunbergia grandiflora
 

A fast-growing, vigorous evergreen creeper that may reach up to 15 m in height. It has been a popular garden plant for its drooping clusters of large, clear blue to deep violet trumpet-shaped flowers and its large, heart-shaped leaves. Some variants may have white flowers.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • This plant sets viable seeds that germinate readily, especially when spread into bushland by birds.
  • It is also capable of growing from root fragments and these are usually spread by indiscriminate disposal of plants by individuals.
 
 
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Alternative Plants

Garlic Vine
Photo: Tim West
Alternative Plant Garlic Vine
Pseudocalymma alliaceum
Climbing and Ground Cover Plants
 

A reasonably large woody climber that may reach a height of 15 m or more when well supported. Its common name is derived from the garlic-like aroma emitted when the leaves are crushed. However, this should not be allowed to detract from this otherwise appealing plant. Its mauve flowers are also scented, but not strong enough to be offensive. This climber prefers to be grown over a supporting structure like a pergola, arch or fence.

Orange Trumpet Vine, Flame Vine
Photo: Terry Inkson
Alternative Plant Orange Trumpet Vine, Flame Vine
Pyrostegia ignea (Syn. Pyrostegia venusta)
Climbing and Ground Cover Plants
 

An evergreen, fast-growing climber that is well suited to the Top End. Its leaves are oval, midgreen and flowers are borne in profusions during late winter to early spring. Flowers are orange and tubular in shape and grow best in full-sun in fertile welldrained soil. This showy climber requires support.

Yellow Passionfruit
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Yellow Passionfruit
Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa
Climbing and Ground Cover Plants
 

A vigorous, woody, climbing vine, the yellow passion fruit grows well in a wide range of soils, but does best on fertile well-drained types. The vines, which should be trained on a wire trellis or fence, produce flowers the second year after planting (seed) and set fruit continuously from June to November. The vines produce for many years, require little attention other than occasional pruning and fertilising, and are not affected by any serious diseases or insect pests. An attractive garden plant with the added benefit of edible fruits! Cultivars called Panama Gold Panama Red are available at local garden centres.

 
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