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Yellow Bells

Tecoma stans

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5 gallon

Yellow Bells

Out of stock

12'x12'

Sizes:

Yellow Bells — Tecoma stans

Also known as: Esperanza, Yellow Elder, Trumpet Flower

Yellow Bells is a fast-growing, heat-loving evergreen shrub known for its showy clusters of bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers. Blooming steadily through the hottest parts of summer, this plant brings vibrant energy to the landscape when many others are fading. The 2½-inch flowers are held in clusters at the tips of slender, gray-brown branches and stand out beautifully against the shiny, rich green foliage.

Also called esperanza or yellow elder, this shrub produces long, narrow seed pods after flowering that are sometimes eaten by small animals and birds. Yellow Bells is a favorite of hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, making it a great choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. It’s especially useful as a medium to large accent shrub in larger landscaped spaces, where its size and bright color can really shine.

While considered evergreen in warm zones, Yellow Bells can look a bit sparse during periods of winter chill or high summer stress, especially in the low desert. But don’t worry—it’s quick to recover with warmer weather or supplemental water. It does best in full sun, with well-drained soil, and once established, is moderately drought tolerant.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Queen (Danaus gilippus); Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae); various native bees; honeybee (Apis mellifera)
Bird Resources: Nectar; Insects; Seedpods
Bird Species: Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna); Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria); House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)

Plant Care

Native region:

Sonoran Desert

Water needs:

Low-Moderate

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

12'x12'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Yellow

Flower season:

Spring-Fall

Pruning:

Prune in fall to shape

Cold Hardiness:

25 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Yes

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.