Tecoma 'Oompa Loompa' or Orange Bells
Tecoma ‘Oompa Loompa’™ is an evergreen shrub and part of the Bignoniaceae family of plants. This is a fast-growing, dwarf hybrid. It is probably related to Tecoma stans. They also call it Dwarf Orange Trumpet Bush, Esperanza ‘Oompa Loompa’, Trumpetbush ‘Ooompa Loompa’, and Orange Bells ‘Oompa Loompa’.
Tecoma or Esperanza is native to the Americas, but there are species native to Africa as well. The genus name is from the Mexican name, Tecomaxochitl.
Tecoma ‘Oompa Loompa’™ grows to about 4ft or 1.2m tall. The foliage is green, sharply toothed, and pinnate. It produces bright orange flowers during spring, summer, and autumn. The flowers are trumpet-shaped. After flowers fade it produces bean-like seed pods.
How to grow Tecoma ‘Oompa Loompa’™:
Grow Tecoma ‘Oompa Loompa’™ in the sun or partial shade. Plant in moist, fertile, and well-drained soil. Tecoma ‘Oompa Loompa’™ flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It is drought-tolerant and grows vigorously in warmer climates. It is hardy to 30ºF or -1ºC. Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings. Generally, it is disease-free and pest-free.
