Tecoma stans, known as yellow bells, is a fast-growing evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub that produces masses of bright golden, trumpet-shaped flowers in showy terminal clusters. Bloom is heaviest in the warm and post-monsoon months, drawing bees, butterflies and sunbirds. The bright-green serrated leaves form a lush backdrop to the constant colour. Hardy, heat- and drought-tolerant once established, it suits hedges, screens, borders and large containers across India. It responds well to pruning, which keeps it bushy and free-flowering. Easy and rewarding, yellow bells delivers cheerful, long-lasting colour with very little maintenance in sunny gardens.
Specifications
| Family |
Bignoniaceae |
| Native region |
Americas (tropical and subtropical) |
| Mature height |
2-4 m |
| Mature spread |
1.5-3 m |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
| Foliage |
Bright green, serrated, semi-evergreen |
| Flower colour |
Bright golden yellow |
| Flower season |
Warm months and post-monsoon, long-blooming |
| Climate zone |
Tropical to subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun for best flowering |
| Watering |
Water regularly when young; drought-tolerant later |
| Soil / mix |
Well-drained soil; tolerates poor soils |
| Temperature |
Warm 20-38°C; frost-tender |
| Humidity |
Adapts to most humidity levels |
| Fertilizer |
Balanced feed monthly in growing season |
| Pruning |
Prune hard after blooming to keep bushy |
| Repotting |
Every 1-2 years for container plants |
| Propagation |
Seeds and semi-hardwood cuttings |
| Pests & problems |
Generally hardy; occasional aphids, mealybugs |
| Toxicity / safety |
Low toxicity; ornamental, not for eating |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
<p>Ideal for fast flowering hedges, screens, borders and large pots, and excellent for attracting pollinators. Its bright golden trumpets give long-season colour in sunny gardens.</p>
Growing tips
<p>In India, plant yellow bells in full sun and prune after each flush to keep it compact and flowering. It tolerates heat and drought well, so avoid overwatering once established.</p>