Last updated on June 13th, 2026 at 03:53 pm
The Yellow Bells Plant Scientific Name: Bignoniaceae.
Also called the Esperanza plant (Spanish – Hope) or the Yellow Tecoma Stans. Â It does best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. Dark green leaves and beautiful yellow Trumpet flowering blooms in spring into mid-summer. Fast-growing in the desert southwest. It can grow up to 5-6 ft. tall and 5 ft. wide. The best thing about this plant is that it will bloom from late spring until mid-fall. No deadheading or pruning is necessary.
Is it Drought Tolerant?
Yes, once established it requires low to moderate watering. It will bloom all summer long but will lose its foliage during the winter months. Â It is a tough perennial that many local City, State, and County landscapers use for its resiliency and prolific flowering attributes. Â It is native throughout South-Central Texas, West Arizona, and southwest New Mexico.
It will grow about 4 or 6 ft. tall within 3-4 years. Water more often in the first 2-3 years for quicker growth.
Where to Place the Yellow Bells Plant?
Place three or four in a row for a great border plant. They do well in rock gardens or xeriscaping landscapes.  They attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Maintenance – There is some maintenance involved. You will need to clean up the seed pods after blooms have expired, usually around late October. Â Cut them back during the winter seasons or early spring and they will grow back quickly and start to bloom in late spring or early summer-a great plant for Southwest Landscape.Â
Close-up of Yellow Bells Flower.
Another close-up view of the bright yellow Tecoma Stans trumpet-like flower.
The Care of Yellow Bells Plant
Pruning is also essential for Yellow Bells maintenance. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches. This will promote new growth and keep the plant looking tidy. You can also prune after flowering to shape the plant if needed.
Lastly, fertilizing Yellow Bells once or twice a year with a balanced slow-release fertilizer can enhance their growth and blooming. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for proper application.
By following these care tips, your Yellow Bells plant will thrive and reward you with its gorgeous blooms throughout the year. So go ahead and add this stunning plant to your garden for a touch of sunshine!
There are also the Bells of Fire type from Monrovia. A compact variety with fiery red-orange blooms. It is a heat and sun-loving shrub that will explode with warm color. It will bloom from spring until the first frost. Self-cleaning, and rarely sets seed pods. See the photo of this plant at Monrovia.com
USDA zones 7-10.
Problems with the Yellow Bells Plant
Tecoma stans (Yellow Bells) is generally a trouble-free, low-maintenance shrub that performs exceptionally well in the Desert Southwest. Once established, it is highly tolerant of heat, drought, and poor soils, making it a favorite for homeowners looking for reliable color throughout the growing season.
The most common pest problem is caterpillars, which may feed on the flowers and tender new growth near the tips of the branches. In most cases, the damage is minor, but larger infestations can quickly strip foliage and reduce flowering. A good treatment option is Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a naturally occurring soil bacterium that specifically targets caterpillars and other worm-like larvae. When ingested, Bt stops them from feeding and eventually kills them. It is considered safe for humans, dogs, cats, birds, and most beneficial insects when used according to label directions. Regular inspection of the plant, especially during the warm summer months, will help you catch caterpillar problems before they become severe.
 You can read more here.
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