Thunbergia coccinea (Scarlet Thunbergia)
Top Tropicals Plant Encyclopedia
Botanical name: Thunbergia coccinea
Common name: Scarlet Thunbergia
Family: Acanthaceae
Origin: India, Burma, Malaya
Hardiness: 35°F






Thunbergia coccinea is a vigorous tropical climbing vine native to Southeast Asia, admired for its dramatic pendulous clusters of tubular, deep red to crimson flowers. The long, cascading inflorescences can reach impressive lengths and create a striking contrast against the plant's large, soft green, heart shaped to ovate leaves. This species is a true showpiece climber, often trained on pergolas, trellises, or large supports where its flowering chains can hang freely and be viewed from below.
Thunbergia coccinea grows best in full sun to bright light, with some protection from intense midday heat in very hot climates. It prefers fertile, well drained soil with regular watering during active growth, though it does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Warm temperatures are essential for consistent flowering, and growth slows markedly in cool weather. USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10-11, with minimum temperatures around 35 F; it is frost sensitive and is grown as a container or conservatory plant in cooler regions, where winter protection is required.
Similar plants: Thunbergia coccinea (Scarlet Thunbergia)
- Gardenia thunbergia (White Gardenia)
- Thunbergia alata (Black - eyed Susan)
- Thunbergia battiscombei (Bengal Clock Vine)
- Thunbergia erecta (King's Mantle)
- Thunbergia fragrans (White Clock Vine)
- Thunbergia grandiflora (Blue Trumpet Vine)
- Thunbergia gregorii (Orange Clock Vine)
- Thunbergia kirkii (Blue Sky Shrub)
- Thunbergia laurifolia (Blue Trumpet Vine)
- Thunbergia mysorensis (Clock Vine)






