Trumpet Bush | Tecoma Smithii

Description:

Yellow trumpetbush is known for the stunning bright yellow trumpet shaped flowers it produces. The clusters of flowers are pleasingly fragrant, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It blossoms throughout the year. Trumpet Bush is spectacular when in flower and can be the focal point for a garden. Trumpet Bush grows to 12 feet and can be trained as a small tree or large shrub.

1. Botanical Classification

• Family: Bignoniaceae
• Genus: Tecoma
• Species: T. stans

2. Physical Characteristics

• Leaves: The plant has compound leaves with 5 to 9 leaflets that are dark green and glossy. The leaflets are ovate to lanceolate in shape and have a smooth margin.
• Flowers: The flowers are trumpet-shaped, bright yellow, and can sometimes have orange or red hues at the base. They grow in large clusters and are very showy, blooming primarily in the warmer months.
• Fruit: After flowering, Tecoma stans produces elongated, woody seed pods. These pods are typically dry and split open to release numerous small seeds.
• Size: It can grow as a shrub or small tree, reaching heights of 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) or more. It can spread up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) wide.

3. Habitat and Distribution

• Native Range: Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including parts of the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America.
• Preferred Habitat: It thrives in a range of habitats from tropical forests to semi-arid regions. It is often found in open areas, along roadsides, and in disturbed areas.

4. Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The plant flowers best in full sunlight.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as drainage is adequate.
• Water: Once established, Tecoma stans is fairly drought-tolerant. Regular watering is needed for young plants, but mature plants can handle periods of dryness.
• Temperature: It is suited to warm climates and can tolerate temperatures down to about 30°F (-1°C). Frost can damage or kill the plant, so it's best suited for USDA zones 8 to 11.