Great Design Plant: Yellow Bells, a Screening Queen for Hot Climates

If you love yellow, this shrub delivers nonstop trumpet-shaped flowers from spring through fall in zones 8–11. Its large size (8–10 feet tall and wide) makes it perfect for screening bare walls or undesirable views. In cooler climates, grow it as an annual. Wherever you garden, yellow bells (Tecoma stans) brightens your day with sunny flowers.

Quick Facts

• Botanical names: Tecoma stans var. stans and Tecoma stans var. angustata
• Common names: Yellow bells, esperanza
• Origin: Var. stans native to Mexico; var. angustata native to southwestern U.S.
• Hardiness: 20°F (USDA zone 8)
• Water: Low
• Light: Full, reflected sun to light shade
• Mature size: 8–10 feet tall and wide
• Benefits: Drought-tolerant once established; best with deep weekly watering in summer, biweekly in spring/fall, monthly in winter; attracts hummingbirds
• Seasonal interest: Golden flowers spring through fall in zones 8–11; as annual, blooms summer into early fall until frost
• When to plant: Spring, from transplants

Distinguishing Traits

Hummingbirds flock to yellow bells wherever placed. Thrives in desert and tropical gardens with long-season yellow blooms. Bright green foliage of narrow leaflets bears clusters of bell-shaped flowers. Drought-tolerant but needs supplemental water—especially weekly deep watering to 2 feet in summer. Freezing weather causes frost damage, but it recovers quickly in spring. In zone 7 and colder, grow as an annual.

Two Main Varieties

Both share the common name, so use botanical names when purchasing.

• Tecoma stans var. angustata (SW U.S. native): Narrower leaves, slightly smaller flowers, more cold-hardy. Produces more seedpods (easily pruned off).
• Tecoma stans var. stans (Mexico native): Larger leaves and flowers, slightly more tropical appearance, less cold-hardy, fewer seedpods.

Newer Varieties

• Tecoma 'AZ Diablo': Reddish-orange flowers
• Crimson Flare Esperanza: Red flowers
• Tecoma stans 'Gold Star': Yellow; early bloomer; smaller size
• Solar Flare Esperanza: Orange flowers
• Sunrise Esperanza: Copper/yellow flowers

How to Use It

Break up bare walls or fences. Screen undesirable views (A/C units, utility areas). In frost-free climates, train into multi-trunk tree form. Great in large containers flanking entries—add purple petunias for contrast. Makes a great natural hedge; plant purple-blooming 'Katie' ruellia or purple trailing lantana in front.

Planting Notes

Well-drained soil essential. Dig hole three times as wide, same depth as rootball. Full sun best; filtered shade reduces flowering. Apply slow-release or organic fertilizer in spring; avoid fall fertilizing (stimulates frost-tender growth). Prune frost-damaged growth after danger of frost passes (in zone 8, prune to ground). Allow room to minimize warm-season pruning. Seedpods (especially on var. angustata) can be removed but not necessary for health.

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