Thunbergia mysorensis: Indian clock vine

Family: Acanthaceae
Common name: Mysore clock vine, Indian clock vine, Mysore trumpetvine, Brick and butter vine, Lady’s slipper vine, Dolls’ shoes

Indian or Mysore clock vine plants are so stunning and delightful when they are in bloom, with numerous pendulous flowers hanging from the stems. The true beauty of the plant is visible when it’s trained over a pergola, trellis, arch or veranda which has slats through which the flowers can hang down.

The beautiful reddish maroon buds and yellow flowers swing lightly in the wind; and last for a very long time, letting you enjoy their beauty to your heart’s content. The plant is native to India; the name Mysorensis coming from the city of Mysore in the state of Karnataka.

The calyx is a deep reddish maroon; and flowers are yellow with reddish tips. Their leaves are a glossy green, almost like orchid leaves. The plant can grow very long, almost 6 meters, if left unpruned.

It’s better to plan how to grow the Indian clock vine, and prune it accordingly so that it does not become unruly. The flowers are usually seen from spring till autumn, covering large areas in their swinging glory.

Indian clock vine flowers have sweet nectar that attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and other insects.

Don’t let the Indian clock vine stems crawl on the ground as the flowers will not be visible. Plant it on the ground, or in a pot and provide a supporting structure of the plant to climb on.

These plants need good watering due to its prolific growth and blooming. Occasional fertilization with a phosphorus-rich fertilization can encourage blooming.

Propagation is from seeds or stem cuttings.

Image credits: love4gardening, Sindhu Menon