Thunbergia erecta 'Alba' (White Bush Clock Vine) is a compact evergreen shrub bearing elegant pure white trumpet-shaped flowers with a soft creamy throat. Unlike its climbing relatives it grows as an upright bush of 1-1.5 m with small dark green leaves, making it perfect for low hedges, borders and container displays. It blooms generously through the warm season, the crisp white flowers standing out against the dense foliage and attracting bees and butterflies. Easy and adaptable, it thrives in full sun to partial shade with regular watering. A graceful, free-flowering shrub that adds cool, clean colour to Indian gardens and balconies.
Specifications
| Family |
Acanthaceae |
| Native region |
Tropical West Africa |
| Mature height |
1-1.5 m |
| Mature spread |
0.8-1.2 m |
| Growth rate |
Moderate to fast |
| Foliage |
Evergreen, small dark green leaves |
| Flower colour |
White with creamy throat |
| Flower season |
Spring to autumn, year-round in warm areas |
| Climate zone |
Tropical and subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun to partial shade. |
| Watering |
Regular watering; keep soil moist but not soggy. |
| Soil / mix |
Fertile, well-drained loamy soil. |
| Temperature |
Thrives 18-35°C; protect from frost. |
| Humidity |
Tolerates moderate to high humidity. |
| Fertilizer |
Feed monthly with balanced NPK during growth. |
| Pruning |
Trim regularly to keep compact and encourage blooms. |
| Repotting |
Repot every 1-2 years in containers. |
| Propagation |
By stem cuttings. |
| Pests & problems |
Watch for whiteflies, aphids and spider mites. |
| Toxicity / safety |
Generally non-toxic. |
| Difficulty |
Easy. |
Uses
Used for low flowering hedges, foundation borders, mass plantings and container displays on balconies and patios.
Growing tips
In Indian conditions give it full sun to part shade, water regularly and trim lightly after flushes to keep the bush dense and blooming through the warm months.