King's mantle (Thunbergia erecta)
Care, watering, light and tips for King's mantle on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About King's mantle
Thunbergia erecta, commonly known as Bush Clockvine or King's Mantle, is an upright perennial shrub native to tropical Africa. It is distinguished by its vibrant, intense purple-blue tubular flowers, often featuring a yellow throat, and its glossy green foliage. It is ideal for low hedges, borders, or as a focal plant in tropical and subtropical gardens, providing continuous splashes of color.
Native range
Western tropical Africa
Care tips
It requires full sun to partial shade for abundant flowering, though it tolerates some partial shade. Watering should be regular, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during warm periods. It prefers well-drained, organically rich soils. A common mistake is insufficient pruning, which can lead to leggy growth; prune regularly to maintain a compact shape and encourage more blooms.
How to save a dying King's mantle
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or drooping leaves, soft stems, no blooms or withered flowers. Soil dries too fast or is waterlogged.
- First aid
- Check watering (consistent moisture, no waterlogging). Prune dry stems. Place in partial shade with good indirect light. Fertilize lightly.
- What kills it
- Prolonged drought or overwatering. Lack of light or intense direct sun burning leaves. Lack of pruning.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! It's resilient. With watering, light adjustments, and pruning, it usually recovers well and reblooms.