How to Care for an Esperanza Flower

Esperanza flower, also known as yellow bells or by its scientific name, Tecoma stans, is native in the southwest United States, Mexico and parts of South America. Cold hardy in zones 9 through 11, this tropical, evergreen shrub requires warm temperatures to survive as a perennial. Gardeners outside the plant's hardiness zones, however, often enjoy it as an annual that dies back when temperatures drop. Esperanza flower reaches up to 4 feet in height as an annual and up to 20 feet in height in frost-free areas. The shrub's yellow, bell-shaped flowers remain throughout the hottest summer months.

Things You'll Need

• Fertilizer
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Plant esperanza flower during mid-spring after all danger of frost has passed. Choose a planting site that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth. Space esperanza plants at least 3 to 4 feet apart.

2. Water once each week during the spring and summer months, allowing the soil to dry slightly between applications. Reduce watering frequency to once every two weeks during fall and winter, when the plant is not growing actively.

3. Feed esperanza flowers once a month during spring and summer using a balanced 10-10-10 NPK garden fertilizer. Water lightly before and after applying to reduce the risk of root burn and to distribute the nutrients into the soil.

4. Remove faded esperanza flowers as often as possible to prevent them from turning into seed heads and prolong the blooming season by encouraging the formation of new flowers. Pinch off the old flowers near the stem to reduce damage.

5. Prune esperanza flower during early spring, just before active growth begins. Use pruning shears to cut off any leggy, damaged or diseased growth. Pruning will increase the visual appeal of the plant and maintain a compact growth habit.

Tips & Warnings

• Burn diseased limbs at a remote location to reduce the risk of spreading the disease to other nearby plants. Clean pruning shears thoroughly before using again.

• If growing esperanza flower as a perennial in zones 9 through 11, do not fertilize during winter, as the plant is in a state of dormancy.

• Plant esperanza in a large container in zones 8 and above and transfer indoors before freezing weather or allow the plant to die back after the first frost, as you would any annual.

References

• University of Arizona Pima County Extension: Tecoma stans angustata
• Arizona State University: Tecoma Stans
• “Tough-as-nails Flowers for the South”; Norman Winter, 2003