The Tecoma stans ‘Sparklette’ is a popular, compact flowering shrub known for its manageable size and prolific blooming. This hybrid is a smaller-growing version of Yellow Bells, offering a heat-loving plant that stays naturally rounded. Clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers, typically golden-yellow with maroon or orange throats, appear consistently from spring through the fall season. The vibrant blooms and neat habit make ‘Sparklette’ a highly appealing addition to the landscape.
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
The ‘Sparklette’ Tecoma requires maximum sun exposure, as light is directly linked to the plant’s ability to produce its showy flowers. This shrub performs best in a location receiving full, direct sunlight for the majority of the day to ensure robust blooming. While it can tolerate some filtered or partial sun, insufficient light results in a leggy plant with significantly fewer flowers.
The root system thrives in well-draining soil. ‘Sparklette’ is tolerant of poorer soil types, including sandy or rocky conditions, but it benefits greatly from garden soil that has been amended with rich organic matter. The primary goal is to prevent water from sitting around the roots, as this can lead to rot; heavy clay soils should be heavily amended or avoided entirely.
When planting, dig the hole only as deep as the root ball and about twice as wide to allow for easy root establishment. The top of the root ball should sit level with the adjacent soil surface to prevent the stem from being buried. For mass plantings or hedges, space individual ‘Sparklette’ plants approximately three to four feet apart, allowing them room to reach their mature spread without crowding.
Routine Watering and Fertilization
The watering regimen for ‘Sparklette’ changes once the shrub moves from a newly installed specimen to an established plant. New plantings require moderate, consistent moisture to help the root system expand. During the first growing season, water deeply whenever the top few inches of soil dry out completely, which is especially important during periods of high heat.
Once established, the Tecoma ‘Sparklette’ exhibits good drought tolerance. However, to maximize its ornamental value and encourage a continuous flush of flowers from spring to fall, supplemental watering is recommended during dry spells. Overwatering is a more common problem than underwatering, so always check the soil moisture before applying water; the soil should be allowed to dry out between applications.
The plant benefits from feeding throughout the growing season, which supports the production of new wood and flowers. A slow-release granular fertilizer applied in early spring can provide a steady supply of nutrients for several months. Alternatively, a balanced fertilizer or one with a higher phosphorus ratio, such as a 6-12-4 formulation, promotes flower development. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s directions, usually around the plant’s drip line, and water it in thoroughly.
Seasonal Pruning and Cold Weather Care
Pruning the ‘Sparklette’ Tecoma maintains its compact, rounded shape and encourages the new growth that produces the most blooms. The optimal time for substantial shaping or size reduction is in the late winter or very early spring, just before the onset of new growth. This timing allows the plant to quickly recover and utilize the spring energy burst for flowering rather than vegetative growth.
During the active growing season, light trimming can be performed as needed to correct errant branches and keep the shrub tidy. To promote maximum flowering, spent blooms should be consistently removed, a process known as deadheading. Pinching or trimming off the developing seed pods diverts the plant’s energy away from seed production and back into creating new flower buds, significantly extending the bloom period.
‘Sparklette’ is hardy in USDA Zones 9 through 11, tolerating temperatures down to about 20°F to 25°F. In the cooler range of its hardiness, the shrub may be semi-evergreen, losing some or all of its foliage in the winter, or it may experience dieback if a hard frost occurs. If the above-ground growth is damaged by cold, the plant’s roots are often resilient and will send up vigorous new shoots from the base in the spring.
Gardeners in colder climates should apply a thick layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, over the root zone in late fall to insulate the crown. Container-grown ‘Sparklette’ plants are particularly vulnerable to cold and should be moved to a sheltered, unheated location, like a garage or basement, when temperatures consistently drop below freezing. This proactive protection ensures the plant survives the winter.