Product
Tecoma
Common Name: Tecoma, Yellow Bells, Yellow Elder, Yellow Trumpet Bush Botanical Name: Tecoma (most commonly Tecoma stans) Family: Bignoniaceae (Trumpet Vine Family) Plant Type: Evergreen shrub or small tree Origin: Tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas
- SKU: PLANT4589
- CATEGORY: Hedges and shrubs
- TAGs: Air Purifying , Low Maintenance
Plant Description
Tecoma is a fast-growing ornamental flowering shrub widely cultivated for its bright trumpet-shaped flowers and lush green foliage. It is one of the most popular landscape plants because of its long blooming season, drought tolerance, and ability to attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
The most commonly grown species, Tecoma stans, produces clusters of brilliant golden-yellow flowers almost throughout the year in warm climates. It is suitable for gardens, parks, roadsides, and commercial landscapes.
Plant Characteristics
- Height: 2–8 meters
- Spread: 2–5 meters
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Plant Habit: Upright, bushy shrub or small tree
- Lifespan: Perennial
- Evergreen: Yes (in tropical climates)
Leaves
- Bright green, compound leaves.
- Leaflets are narrow, lance-shaped, and slightly serrated.
- Dense foliage provides an attractive background for the flowers.
Flowers
- Large trumpet-shaped flowers.
- Bright golden yellow (some species and cultivars may have orange or red shades).
- Flowers appear in terminal clusters.
- Mildly fragrant in some varieties.
- Rich in nectar, attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Flowering Season
- Spring
- Summer
- Monsoon
- Autumn
- In warm tropical climates, flowering may occur almost year-round.
Uses
Ornamental Uses
- Landscape gardens
- Avenue plantations
- Parks
- Residential gardens
- Boundary planting
- Flowering hedges
- Large containers
Ecological Benefits
- Attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
- Supports pollinator populations.
- Improves garden biodiversity.
Common Pests and Diseases
Pests
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Mealybugs
- Spider mites
Diseases
- Powdery mildew
- Leaf spot
- Root rot (due to excessive watering)
Maintaining proper air circulation and avoiding overwatering helps prevent most issues.
Landscape Value
Tecoma is one of the best flowering shrubs for tropical and subtropical landscapes. Its brilliant yellow flowers, rapid growth, and low maintenance requirements make it ideal for gardens, roadsides, institutional campuses, public parks, and urban landscaping.
Growing Conditions
Sunlight
- Requires full sunlight.
- At least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering.
Temperature
- Ideal: 20°C–38°C
- Tolerates high temperatures well.
- Sensitive to severe frost.
Soil
- Well-drained loamy or sandy soil.
- Can tolerate poor soils if drainage is good.
- Soil pH: 6.0–7.8
Watering
- Water regularly during establishment.
- Once established, Tecoma is drought tolerant.
- Avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizer
- Apply organic compost twice a year.
- Use balanced NPK (19:19:19) fertilizer once every 30–45 days during the growing season.
- Phosphorus-rich fertilizers encourage more flowering.
Propagation
Tecoma can be propagated through:
- Stem cuttings (most common)
- Seeds
- Air layering
Stem cuttings root quickly during spring and the rainy season.
Pruning
- Prune after the main flowering season.
- Remove dry, diseased, or crossing branches.
- Regular pruning encourages dense growth and abundant flowering.
Maintenance Tips
- Plant in a sunny location.
- Water deeply but infrequently once established.
- Prune annually to maintain shape.
- Feed with compost and balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
- Remove spent flower clusters to encourage continuous blooming.