Yellow bells (yellow trumpetbush) Tecoma stans
Yellow bells (yellow trumpetbush) (Tecoma stans) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Bignoniaceae family, native to Southern USA, Mexico, Central and South America. It grows 2–6 m (6.6–20 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -4 °C (25 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
Plan Yellow bells (yellow trumpetbush) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Yellow bells (yellow trumpetbush) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
| Mature height | 2–6 m (6.6–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -4 °C (25 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | about 26–52 weeks after planting, for 26–43 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Southern USA, Mexico, Central and South America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇮🇳 India, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇰🇪 Kenya |
| Invasive in | South Africa, Australia, Brazil, Pacific islands: check local rules before planting |
Is Yellow bells (yellow trumpetbush) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: leaves, seeds
Not a common poisoning risk; leaves contain alkaloids used in folk remedies, so do not eat.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Yellow bells (yellow trumpetbush)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Yellow bells (yellow trumpetbush)
- How far apart should I plant Yellow bells (yellow trumpetbush)?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Yellow bells (yellow trumpetbush) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Yellow bells (yellow trumpetbush) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Yellow bells (yellow trumpetbush)?
- It tolerates about -4 °C (25 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Yellow bells (yellow trumpetbush) flower?
- About 26–52 weeks after planting, for 26–43 weeks.
- Is Yellow bells (yellow trumpetbush) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Not a common poisoning risk; leaves contain alkaloids used in folk remedies, so do not eat.
- What grows well with Yellow bells (yellow trumpetbush)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Yellow bells (yellow trumpetbush). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Clusters of golden bells through the hot months; tough in heat and drought. Self-seeds freely, so deadhead where it is invasive.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Cape honeysuckle Tecoma capensis
- Trumpet vine Campsis radicans
- Jacaranda Jacaranda mimosifolia
- Pink trumpet tree (ipê) Handroanthus impetiginosus
- African tulip tree (Nandi flame) Spathodea campanulata
- Nile tulip (markhamia) Markhamia lutea
- Desert willow Chilopsis linearis
- Indian bean tree (southern catalpa) Catalpa bignonioides