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
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.
Growing tips
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.