What Are Arizona Yellow Bells?
Yellow bells are a large, tropical shrub that grows well in southern states like Arizona since they are heat-tolerant and drought-tolerant. They feature dark green leaves and golden-yellow flowers, and the blooms last from spring until late fall.
Quick Facts
Botanical Name: Tecoma stans
Plant Type: Perennial, shrub
Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial sun
Flower Color: Yellow, orange, red
Foliage Color: Blue/green
Height: 3-9 feet tall
Width: 4-6 feet wide
Seasonality: Spring, summer, fall
Native: North America, South America, Central America
Best Features: Drought tolerant, good for privacy, attracts hummingbirds
Related Plants (Alternatives): Tecoma Bells of Fire, “Sparky” Bells, Orange Jubilee
Large & Colorful Yellow Bells
Yellow bells are an excellent plant for desert dwellers who want a large shrub in their landscaping with bright, vibrant colors. They’re known for their yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers that begin blooming in spring and last until the first frost, and the flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
Since yellow bells are such a large and fast-growing plant, they’re also great for creating privacy screens in your backyard or a backdrop for other plants. Since the plant is evergreen, it won’t lose its leaves, so you can enjoy this lovely shrub year-round. If you have a smaller space look at the following options Tecoma ‘Bells of Fire’ or ‘Sparky’.
Yellow bells do grow quickly and have a hardy nature, so it’s wise to ensure you have the time to care for this shrub before planting it in your yard. It’s also important to ensure it has plenty of room to grow—it should have at least eight feet of space when planted.
Best Ways to Care for Your Yellow Bells
Here are our best tips for caring for your yellow bells:
Sunlight: Yellow bells thrive in full sunlight and will grow tall and lush if they receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. They can also grow in partial shade but won’t be as vibrant as yellow bells in direct sunlight.
Soil: Yellow bells grow best in rich, well-drained, and slightly moist soil, although they’re tolerant of many soil conditions.
Water: Yellow bells are drought-tolerant, so they will thrive with just natural rainwater. However, they may require bi-weekly watering in dry seasons, like the summer, to keep them hydrated and vibrant.
Temperature: Yellow bells are naturally found in dry climates, like our climate here in Phoenix. They will go dormant in below-freezing temperatures.
Fertilizer: These plants don’t need fertilizer, but you may find adding a well-balanced fertilizer can help speed along the blooming process.
Pruning: Pruning your yellow bells once a year will encourage optimal growth. You should prune in the late winter, just before spring, when you won’t have to worry about frost or near-freezing temperatures in the evenings.
Pests: Sometimes, yellow bells will suffer attacks from caterpillars, but a local nursery will guide you on the best ways to prevent these pests from eating your plant’s leaves.
Incorporate Yellow Bells Into Your Arizona Landscape with Wildflower Desert Design
If you need help choosing plants for your backyard, like yellow bells, contact us for a free consultation at Wildflower Desert Design.