Bells Of Fire Tecoma – Esperanza – 1 Gallon Pot

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Until recently, Tecomas grew huge, bloomed only in late spring and fall, and were covered in unattractive seed pods after flowering. That was then, this is now. Bells of Fire is more compact Tecoma and its bright orange flowers, resembling those of Campsis (trumpet vines), start in early spring continuing to frost, with fewer seed pods. Both butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers. In frost-free areas the plant will grow to about 5 feet in height with an equal spread. In areas with colder winters we’re hearing the plant might max out at 3 to 4 feet in height and spread.

Note:  Bells of Fire Tecoma is a new introduction that we don’t have long term experience with regarding cold hardiness. All sources suggest it is cold hardy to USDA Zone 8b. Above this zone we’d suggest planting in pots that can be brought indoors during winter. 

Its smaller size of 4 to 6 feet tall and wide makes Bells of Fire Tecoma a good fit in smaller landscape and garden spaces. Since it has that tropical look, we planted it among banana trees, elephant ears, palms and other cold hardy tropical-looking plants near one of our garden ponds. It’s also ideal for use as an accent, in groupings or mass plantings, or as a colorful hedge in landscape borders and home foundation plantings, or as a solo or centerpiece in large containers. A fine addition to butterfly and hummingbird gardens, perennial gardens, rock gardens, tropical gardens and the Xeriscape (low water needs). A fine addition to butterfly and hummingbird gardens, perennial gardens, rock gardens, tropical gardens and the Xeriscape (low water needs).

Suggested Spacing:  3 feet apart for solid hedges;  8 feet or more apart for space between plants

Note: For our customers who live and garden North of USDA Cold Hardiness Zone 8b, where this Tecoma variety is not reliably winter hardy, you’ll be happy to know it can be grown in containers that can be brought indoors during winter and place back outside when temperatures warm up in spring.

From what we’ve heard, Bells of Fire is much more cold hardy than its sub-tropical cousins, having survived winters as far north as USDA Zone 8b. It is equally as heat and humidity tolerant as other Tecomas. We’ve heard from a reliable source in Zone 8b that Bells of Fire is root hardy and sprouts back from the ground in spring, much like Hardy Lantana plants do. If you live and garden north of Zone 8b, and are unsure about whether or not you want to be a “guinea pig” with this new plant, consider planting it in a container that can be moved indoors during the coldest part of winter.

Bells of Fire Tecoma is very easy to grow in most any moist but well-drained soil of average fertility and full to mostly sun for best flowering. During the first year it requires regular watering to become established. After that the plant is quite drought tolerant. It does not require pruning however might benefit from an occasional deadheading of spent flowers.

Caution: Because there have been reports of allergic reactions to the sap from this plant we suggest avoiding consumption and wearing gloves when pruning to avoid coming into contact with the sap.