Thunbergia King's Mantle Blue

Plant name: Thunbergia ‘King’s Mantle Blue’

Scientific name: Thunbergia erecta ‘King’s Mantle Blue’

Plant description:
Thunbergia ‘King’s Mantle Blue’ is a compact, flowering tropical shrub known for its deep blue blooms and tidy growth habit. Unlike vining Thunbergia species, this selection forms a dense, rounded shrub with upright stems. It provides steady color in warm climates and performs well in containers and landscape beds where a controlled shape is preferred.

Flower description:
Velvety, rich blue to violet flowers with a contrasting yellow throat appear along the stems throughout the warm season. Blooms are typically 1–2 inches across and are produced repeatedly under favorable growing conditions. The saturated color stands out clearly against the green foliage.

Leaf description:
Leaves are oval to slightly heart-shaped, medium to dark green, and smooth with a soft texture. Foliage grows densely along the stems, creating a full backdrop that enhances the flower display.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Evergreen in frost-free climates; may die back in colder regions and regrow from the base

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 9–11

Mature height and width:
Typically 3–4 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, forming a rounded shrub

Landscape uses:
Suitable for mixed borders, foundation plantings, pollinator gardens, and large patio containers. Its compact form makes it effective in smaller landscapes and structured plantings. Provides consistent seasonal color in warm climates.

Native range:
Species native to tropical Africa; ‘King’s Mantle Blue’ is a cultivated selection

Sun exposure:
Full sun to partial shade. Best flowering occurs with several hours of direct sunlight daily. Light shade is tolerated but may reduce bloom production.

Water requirements:
Moderate water during establishment. Once established, it prefers consistent moisture in well-drained soil. Avoid prolonged dry periods, which can reduce flowering, and avoid saturated conditions.

Pests and problems:
Generally low maintenance. May occasionally experience aphids, whiteflies, or spider mites. Good airflow and proper drainage reduce stress and potential disease issues.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Performs well in warm temperatures and tolerates bright sun when soil moisture is adequate.

Cold tolerance:
Sensitive to frost. Light freezes may cause top dieback. In marginal climates, plants may regrow from the base after mild winter damage. Extended freezing temperatures can kill the plant.

Growing tips:
Plant in well-drained soil and provide adequate spacing to maintain airflow and shape. Light pruning during the growing season encourages branching and maintains a compact habit. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which can promote foliage growth at the expense of flowers. In regions with winter cold, cut back frost-damaged growth in early spring once new shoots begin to appear.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

, Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.