Yellow Bells (Tecoma stans)

Yellow Bells

Tecoma stans

Bright yellow blooms glow like summer sunshine, a drought-tolerant flowering shrub. Common names: Yellow Bells, Esperanza.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; produces the most blooms when grown in full, direct sunlight
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Watering Allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry completely between waterings; highly drought-tolerant once established
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Temperature Hardy to 4°C; protect from frost in cold regions; thrives in warm, arid or semi-arid climates
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Opposite, pinnately compound leaves with 5–13 ovate leaflets; glossy green
  • Flower: Clusters of trumpet-shaped bright yellow flowers; lightly fragrant
  • Stem: Woody, branching stems with light brown, slightly furrowed bark
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Cease fertilization in late autumn and winter when growth slows

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 with water for root drench to promote flower production
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season
  • Prune in late winter to shape the shrub and remove dead, damaged, or overcrowded branches
  • Thin dense inner growth to improve airflow and light penetration, reducing disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Contains glycosides; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite

Humans: Ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset including nausea and abdominal pain

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes warmth, resilience, and summer vibrancy in arid landscape gardening

Usage: Ornamental garden shrub; attracts pollinators including bees and hummingbirds