Tecoma fulva subsp. guarume (Orange Bells)

Orange Bells: A Showy and Wildlife-Friendly Tropical Shrub

Tecoma fulva subsp. guarume, commonly known as Orange Bells, Orange Esperanza, Orange Star, or Orange Trumpet Bush, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub prized for its brilliant, trumpet-shaped blooms and ability to attract pollinators. Native to the American tropics, this fast-growing plant thrives in hot, sunny environments and offers color, privacy, and wildlife value throughout the growing season.

Tecoma belongs to the bignonia or trumpet vine family, Bignoniaceae, which includes popular ornamental plants such as yellow bells, desert willow, chitalpa, catalpa, jacaranda, cross vine, and trumpet vine.

Native Range

Native to Peru, northern Chile, Florida, and the Caribbean, Orange Bells is well-adapted to warm climates and performs beautifully in the southern and southwestern United States.

Plant Type and Habit

Orange Bells is a woody, broadleaf evergreen shrub, or small tree with an upright, open form. It grows quickly and tends to become leggy, so regular pruning helps maintain a tidy shape.

Size

This fast-growing shrub typically reaches 10–15 feet tall (3–4.5 m) and 8–10 feet wide (2.4–3 m), making it an excellent option for privacy hedges or background plantings.

Lifespan

As a perennial shrub in warm climates, Orange Bells can live for many years with proper care and occasional pruning.

Flowers

From late spring to the first frost, Orange Bells produces showy clusters of bright orange, trumpet-shaped flowers (1–3 inches long or 2-7 cm). In frost-free climates, it may bloom nearly year-round. The blossoms are rich in nectar and highly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Fruits

Following the blooms, slender brown seed capsules (over 3 inches long or 7 cm) form and eventually split open to release seeds. These capsules add texture and visual interest in fall.

Foliage

The leaves are opposite, pinnately compound, and glossy green, with serrated margins. Each leaflet is lanceolate to elliptical, measuring 1–3 inches (2-7 cm) in length.

Hardiness

Orange Bells is hardy in USDA zones 8–11. It is frost-sensitive and may die back to the ground in temperatures below 28°F (-2°C), but established plants often resprout from the base in spring.

Uses

• Ornamental: Stunning orange blooms and lush foliage provide tropical flair to borders, patios, and privacy screens.
• Wildlife: Nectar-rich flowers support hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. It serves as a larval host for the Plebeian Sphinx moth (Paratrea plebeja).
• Privacy: Rapid growth and dense foliage make it a great option for hedges or screening.
• Container Plant: Ideal for patios or decks in colder zones where it can be overwintered indoors.
• Low Maintenance: Drought, heat, humidity, and poor soil tolerant once established.
• Design Themes: Suitable for Rock Walls, Butterfly Gardens, Drought Tolerant Gardens, Pollinator Gardens, and as a Border, Hedge, or Specimen plant.

Wildlife Value

Orange Bells is highly valued for its role in supporting biodiversity. Its tubular flowers provide a continuous nectar source for butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. It also acts as a larval host plant.

Drought Tolerance

Once established, Orange Bells tolerates dry spells, though it performs best with occasional deep watering in hot weather. Young plants need regular moisture to establish a strong root system.

Deer and Rabbit Resistance

This shrub is generally unbothered by deer and rabbits, likely due to its leathery foliage and rapid growth.

Toxicity

While Tecoma fulva is admired for its vibrant flowers, parts of the plant—particularly the leaves and stems—may contain compounds that are harmful if ingested. To ensure safety, it’s best to keep this shrub away from pets and small children.

Invasiveness

In warm climates where conditions are ideal, Tecoma fulva may spread aggressively. It can reproduce through both seeds and vegetative growth, allowing it to escape cultivation and potentially disrupt local ecosystems. Always check regional guidelines or invasive species databases before planting it in your area.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Orange Bells

Benefits

• Long Blooming Season: Flowers appear from spring to fall and year-round in frost-free climates.
• Attracts Wildlife: Hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinators flock to the abundant blooms.
• Fast-Growing: Quickly fills in spaces and provides quick coverage for privacy or screening.
• Heat and Drought Tolerant: Ideal for xeriscaping or hot, dry regions.
• Low Maintenance: Easy to grow with minimal pest or disease concerns.

Drawbacks

• Cold Sensitivity: Not frost-hardy and may suffer dieback in cold winters.
• Leggy Growth: May require pruning to maintain shape and fullness.
• Alkaline Soil Issues: Chlorosis may occur in very alkaline soils unless amended.

How to Grow and Care for Orange Bells

Planting

• Location: Plant in full sun (6+ hours daily) for best bloom production. Tolerates light shade but flowers less.
• Soil: Adapts to loam, sand, and shallow rocky soils. Prefers well-drained conditions. Alkaline soils may cause chlorosis (yellowing leaves).
• Spacing: Space plants 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) apart for use as a hedge or screen.

Watering

• Young Plants: Water frequently to establish strong roots.
• Established Shrubs: Tolerates drought but benefits from occasional deep watering in dry weather.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to encourage flowering and growth.
• Overfertilizing may result in excessive foliage at the expense of blooms, which is a common issue with many flowering plants.

Pruning

• Prune in late fall or winter to control height and shape.
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

Overwintering

• In USDA zones 8–9, protect plants during freezes with mulch or frost cloth.
• In colder zones, grow in containers and overwinter indoors in a sunny location.

How to Propagate Orange Bells

Orange Bells can be propagated by seeds, stem cuttings, or layering—each method offering an effective way to grow new plants.

From Seeds

• Harvest mature seed capsules from the plant and let them dry completely.
• Open the pods to collect the seeds and sow them in a well-draining potting mix.
• Lightly cover the seeds with soil and keep the surface consistently moist.
• Provide warmth and sunlight; germination typically occurs in a few weeks.

From Stem Cuttings

• Cut 4–6 inch (10–15 cm) sections from healthy, non-flowering stems.
• Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage growth.
• Plant in a well-draining mix such as perlite and peat moss.
• Place in a warm, bright location and keep the soil lightly moist. Roots usually form in 4–6 weeks.

By Layering

• Choose a flexible, low-growing stem and make a small wound where it touches the ground.
• Cover the wounded section with soil, keeping it moist while it develops roots.
• Once rooted, cut the new growth from the parent plant and transplant it to its new location.

Common Pests and Diseases of Orange Bells

Pests

• Generally Pest-Free: This species is known for its resistance to most common pests.
• Occasional Aphids: May appear on new growth. Manage with water sprays or insecticidal soap.
• Spider Mites: In hot, dry weather, watch for stippling or webbing on leaves. Increase humidity or use neem oil.

Diseases

• Root Rot: May occur in poorly drained soils. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.
• Leaf Yellowing: Often due to chlorosis from alkaline soils. Treat with iron supplements or soil amendments.

Prevention and Maintenance

• Plant in well-drained soil and avoid waterlogging.
• Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Prune in late fall or winter to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.
• Monitor for pest outbreaks, especially during hot weather.