How to Grow and Care for Yellow Bells (Tecoma stans)

Yellow bells (Tecoma stans) is an evergreen shrub native to the American Southwest and Mexico that's known for its bright, cheerful blooms. Its yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers bloom from spring through fall and attract wildlife like hummingbirds, birds, and pollinating insects. The long green seed pods that follow provide a valuable food source for wildlife as well.

Yellow bells can reach up to 25 feet tall and grows quickly; however, note that this plant spreads and is considered invasive in some regions.

Yellow Bells Care

Yellow bells is a pretty easygoing, low-maintenance ornamental shrub in warm climates. Here's how to care for yellow bells:

• Put yellow bells in a spot with full sun.
• Plant this shrub in an area with fertile, well-drained soil.
• Water when the soil has dried out.
• Feed yellow bells with a balanced fertilizer in spring only if the soil is poor.

Warning

Because the plant is hardy and spreads easily, yellow bells can become invasive in some climates, including areas of Florida.

Light

Plant yellow bells in full sun, though they can be grown in partially shaded areas. However, yellow bells grown in partial shade will not grow as tall or as lush as those that receive six hours of sunlight or more each day.

Soil

Yellow bells are tolerant of many soil conditions, but they do best in rich, slightly moist, well-draining soil. Adding a healthy amount of compost to the soil is an efficient way to ensure adequate draining while providing important nutrients.

Water

Yellow bells prefer moist, well-drained soils. Because they're a drought-tolerant plant, they're able to handle dry periods relatively well. Depending on your climate, you may be able to rely on rain to keep this plant healthy, using supplemental watering once per week only in case of prolonged drought.

Temperature and Humidity

Yellow bells thrives in warm, arid climates. The plant can tolerate heat and cold; however, growth will go dormant when temperatures drop below 32°F. It's flexible regarding humidity, able to withstand drier and more humid climates.

Fertilizer

Yellow bells probably won't require supplemental fertilizer, especially if the soil it's planted in is relatively rich. If your plant's growth is stunted, feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once per year.

Pruning

Prune yellow bells once per year after the plant is done flowering. Annual pruning is an opportunity to shape the shrub, keep its size in check, and promote new growth next year. Cut back no more than a third of the older stems down to a few inches above the soil line.

Propagating Yellow Bells

You can propagate yellow bells by taking cuttings in spring or summer. Expect new plants to bloom after two growing seasons. Here's how to propagate yellow bells:

1. Select a stem tip from a healthy branch on the mother plant. Use clean, sterilized pruners to take a cutting that's several inches in length.
2. Fill a plant pot with rich, well-drained potting mix. Plant the cutting in the potting mix and water to moisten.
3. Tent a plastic bag around the cutting to create a more humid environment and hold in moisture. Use a rubber band to secure the bag in place.
4. Put the cutting in a warm place with lots of bright, indirect light. Monitor the cutting and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
5. When a few inches of new growth have appeared, the cutting is ready to repot into a larger container or outdoors in the ground. Be sure to harden off the cutting before relocating it outside.

How to Grow Yellow Bells From Seed

Yellow bells can be propagated by collecting and planting seeds from the pods that appear after the plant flowers. Here's how to grow yellow bells from seed:

1. Gather seed pods and allow them to air dry indoors at room temperature. When the pods are brown and dry, open them and take out the seeds.
2. Plant the seeds a quarter inch deep in a small plant pot with fresh potting mix amended with coarse sand or perlite. You can also use seed starting mix.
3. Water the soil lightly to moisten it.
4. Put the container in a warm place with bright light and keep the soil evenly moist. The yellow bell seeds should sprout within around two weeks.

Potting and Repotting Yellow Bells

It's possible to grow yellow bells in containers, though potted specimens will not grow as large as those planted in the ground. Use a pot with drainage holes that's appropriately sized for your plant, at least 12 inches in diameter.

A terracotta pot that wicks away excess water may be a good choice for this drought-tolerant plant. When repotting, use a new container that's only an inch or two larger than the original.

Overwintering

Yellow bells are winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 10 and above and don't require special care before the cold months. In cooler climates, plant them in containers that can be moved into a garage, shed, or greenhouse in winter.

How to Get Yellow Bells to Bloom

Yellow bells are most likely to bloom profusely in a warm spot with full sun and well-drained soil. Deadheading spent flowers from the clusters of yellow blooms can help encourage a longer bloom period. Using a fertilizer with a higher proportion of phosphorous than nitrogen can help promote flowering if needed.

Common Problems With Yellow Bells

Lack of Blooming

Yellow bells not blooming could be due to overcrowding, lack of light, or inadequate drainage. Repot the plant or move the container in fast-draining soil to give it the conditions it needs.

Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves can indicate that your yellow bells plant is getting too much water. Ensure that the plant has well-drained soil and wait for the soil to dry out fully between waterings.

From: thespruce