The Tecoma stans, commonly known as Yellow Bells or Esperanza, is a flowering shrub or small tree known for its trumpet-shaped yellow blooms and tolerance for heat and dry conditions. This plant is a good choice for warm-climate landscapes, offering a long blooming season that attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators. New plants can be cultivated through two methods, depending on the desired outcome. Propagation is achieved either by sowing seeds collected from the plant’s pods or by rooting stem cuttings taken from a mature specimen.
Propagation from Seed
Growing Tecoma stans from seed produces a large number of new plants and promotes genetic diversity. Seeds should be collected once the long, thin seed pods have dried and turned grayish-brown, indicating they are ripe for harvest. Although the seeds germinate quickly, soaking them overnight in water can expedite the process, but formal scarification is not required.
Seeds must be planted in a sterile, well-draining starting mix, such as peat moss, vermiculite, or a specialized blend. The papery seeds only need to be lightly covered with the medium, as they require light exposure to trigger germination. Maintaining a warm environment, ideally around 72 degrees Fahrenheit, improves the rate of success.
The container should be placed in a location that receives bright but indirect light to prevent scorching. The medium must be kept uniformly moist, but never waterlogged, as excessive moisture causes fungal issues and rot. Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks, though it can take up to six weeks.
Propagation from Stem Cuttings
Propagating Tecoma stans via stem cuttings produces a flowering plant more quickly and ensures the new plant possesses the exact genetic characteristics of the parent. Successful cuttings are taken in the spring or early summer, using semi-hardwood material from the tips of healthy, non-flowering branches. Cuttings should be four to six inches long, featuring several nodes where roots will emerge.
Preparation of the cutting material is necessary to maximize rooting success. Remove all leaves from the lower half of the stem to prevent moisture loss and keep foliage out of the rooting medium, which encourages rot. Dipping the cut end into a rooting hormone powder or gel is recommended, as this stimulates root development.
The prepared cuttings are inserted into a porous rooting medium, such as a mix of perlite and peat moss or coarse sand. To prevent the cutting from drying out, maintain a humid environment by covering the pot with a clear plastic bag or placing it under a humidity dome. The setup should be kept in a warm area with bright, indirect light until new growth confirms root development.
Initial Care and Transplanting
Once seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves or cuttings show vigorous new growth, they are ready for transition. This growth confirms the cutting has developed a root system capable of sustaining the plant. The young plants must first undergo hardening off, which is a gradual introduction to outdoor conditions.
Hardening off involves slowly exposing them to increasing periods of direct sunlight and lower humidity over a week or two, acclimating them to the outdoor environment. After hardening off, the juvenile plants should be gently transplanted into individual, slightly larger pots using a general-purpose, well-draining potting mix. Handle the fragile roots with care to minimize transplant shock.
During this phase, consistent watering is essential, as the small root systems are sensitive to drying out. The soil should be kept lightly moist, but avoid overwatering, as young plants are susceptible to root rot in saturated soil. Once the plants have grown to three or four inches or roots emerge from the drainage holes, they are ready for their permanent location.
Long-Term Placement and Maintenance
The Tecoma stans performs well in full sun exposure, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant flowering. While it tolerates a wide range of soil types, the plant requires excellent drainage, thriving in loamy or sandy substrates. It is adaptable to various soil pH levels, from slightly acidic to alkaline.
Once established, the plant’s watering needs decrease significantly due to its drought tolerance. Watering should be deep but infrequent, allowing the topsoil to dry completely between applications to encourage a robust root system. Fertilization is minimal; a single application of a balanced, granular fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) in early spring is sufficient to support growth and flowering.
Maintenance involves light pruning, typically performed in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, to shape the shrub and remove cold-damaged wood. Pruning after flowering helps maintain a bushier form and promotes a greater display of blooms. The Yellow Bells is suitable for both landscape planting and long-term container growth, depending on the climate and available space.