Garden Oracle / Drought and Heat Tolerant Gardening / Tucson - Phoenix - Arizona - California

Growing Tecoma stans:
Yellow Bells

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Description
Form: Shrub.
Leaf retention: Evergreen above freezing.
Growth rate: Rapid.
Mature Size: 4-10' high and nearly as wide, depending on winter temperature.
Flowers: Yellow, sometimes with an orange tinge, bell-like, 2" long.
Bloom: Spring to fall.
Fruit: Long, narrow seedpods containing seed with papery wings.
Leaves: Glossy bright green, narrow, 1/2" wide, serrate edges.
Stems: No thorns.
Wildlife: The flowers attract hummingbirds and bees. The seeds attract small mammals. Deer browse the foliage.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: Arizona through Texas and tropical and subtropical Americas.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 7-11. It dies to the ground in temperatures below 25°F and revives in the spring. Tip damage is sustained at 28°F.
Heat tolerant: Yes.
Drought tolerant: Somewhat.
Sun: Full sun. It grows rangy in shade.
Water once established: Once or twice a month. Weekly in the hottest months of the year.
Soil: pH 5.6-8.5 (acidic to alkaline).
Prune: After the danger of frost is past, remove damaged stems above the root crown. It can be severely trimmed in winter to maintain proper shape.
Litter: Moderate due to seedpods.
Propagation: Seeds and cuttings.
Uses: Ornamental, hedge.

Comments
This plant is a member of the Trumpet Creeper family (Bignoniaceae) which includes Desert Willow. Another common name is Yellow Trumpetbush. Many hybrid cultivars are sold in nurseries with various flower colors. The cultivar with narrow leaves is the most drought tolerant.



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Tecoma stans: Yellow Bells - flower

Tecoma stans: Yellow Bells - with hummingbird

Tecoma stans: Yellow Bells - seed pods

Tecoma stans: Yellow Bells

Latest update: January, 2019
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