Arizona Yellow Bells

The Arizona Yellow Bells, scientifically known as Tecoma stans var. angustata, is a vibrant and exceptionally heat-loving perennial shrub or small tree. This particular variety is native to the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, and extending into northern Mexico, where it thrives in the extreme heat of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. It is perfectly adapted to full sun and hot, dry conditions, flourishing in well-drained, rocky or sandy soils. In Phoenix, Arizona, it is a ubiquitous and highly valued landscape plant, providing continuous color through the warmest months. As a long-lived perennial, the Arizona Yellow Bells can persist for many years, often 10-20 years or more, forming substantial and attractive specimens.

Its most distinctive characteristic is its upright to spreading growth habit, typically reaching 8-15 feet tall and wide, though it can be pruned into a smaller shrub or trained as a small tree. The leaves are bright green, pinnately compound (divided into leaflets), and provide a lush backdrop to its prolific blooms. The true spectacle of the Arizona Yellow Bells is its abundance of showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that are a brilliant golden-yellow color. These vibrant blooms appear in large clusters at the branch tips, often almost continuously from spring through fall and even into mild winters in warm climates like Phoenix. The flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and bees, bringing lively activity to the garden. Following the flowers, long, slender seed pods develop, which can persist on the plant. The Arizona Yellow Bells is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal water and maintenance, while offering a spectacular and long-lasting floral display. Its resilience, vibrant color, and ability to thrive in challenging desert conditions make it an excellent choice for xeriscaping, accent plantings, hedges, and as a colorful addition to any sunny, low-water landscape. Sources