Bells of Fire

Bells of Fire, scientifically known as Tecoma ‘Bells of Fire’, is a vibrant and highly popular hybrid perennial shrub, celebrated for its spectacular, non-stop display of intensely colored blooms. This cultivated variety is a cross developed for superior flowering and compact growth, drawing its resilience and heat tolerance from its Tecoma stans (Yellow Bells) lineage, which is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It thrives in hot, arid climates with full sun and well-drained soils, making it an outstanding choice for the intense summer heat of Phoenix, Arizona. As a long-lived perennial, Bells of Fire can persist for many years, often 10-20 years or more, forming a substantial and eye-catching specimen.

Its most distinctive characteristic is its dense, compact growth habit, typically reaching a more manageable size of 4-6 feet tall and wide, making it suitable for a wider range of garden spaces than larger Tecoma species. The leaves are deep green, pinnately compound, providing a lush backdrop that perfectly sets off its brilliant flowers. The true spectacle of Bells of Fire is its profusion of fiery orange-red to deep red, trumpet-shaped flowers. These intensely colored blooms appear in large clusters at the branch tips, often blooming almost continuously from early spring through fall and even into mild winters in warm climates like Phoenix. The vibrant flowers are an absolute magnet for hummingbirds, adding lively activity and movement to the garden. Following the flowers, slender, inconspicuous seed pods may develop. Bells of Fire is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal water and maintenance, while offering an unparalleled and long-lasting floral display. Its striking color, compact form, and ability to thrive in challenging desert conditions make it an excellent choice for xeriscaping, accent plantings, hedges, and as a colorful, low-water addition to any sunny landscape.