Tecoma stans ‘Gold Star’

Tecoma stans ‘Gold Star’: A Burst of Sunshine for Your Garden

Tecoma stans ‘Gold Star’, commonly known as Esperanza ‘Gold Star’ or Yellow Bells, is a tender perennial that brings vibrant, golden yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers to gardens and landscapes. Known for its heat tolerance and showy blooms, this Texas native is a favorite among gardeners in warm climates. This article provides an in-depth look at the background, plant family, description, care instructions, and propagation methods for Tecoma stans ‘Gold Star’.

Background and Plant Family

Tecoma stans, also known as Yellow Bells, Yellow Trumpet Flower, or Yellow Elder, is a species of flowering perennial shrub in the Bignoniaceae family. This family includes about 800 species of mostly tropical and subtropical plants known for their large, showy flowers. Tecoma stans are native to the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America to Argentina. Greg Grant, the Texas plant breeder selected the ‘Gold Star‘ cultivar from a private garden in San Antonio, Texas. It is popular for its prolific flowering and heat tolerance.

Description

Tecoma stans ‘Gold Star’ is a fast-growing, upright shrub that typically reaches a height of 3-5 feet (90-150 cm) and a spread of 2-4 feet (60-120 cm). In optimal conditions, it can grow up to 7 feet (210 cm) tall and wide. The plant features dark green, glossy, serrated, compound leaves that provide a lush backdrop to the striking golden-yellow flowers.

The trumpet-shaped flowers, which bloom from early summer until the first frost, are lightly fragrant and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Each flower cluster creates a stunning display, making this plant a standout in any garden or landscape.

Care Instructions for Tecoma stans ‘Gold Star’:

Light Requirements:

• Full Sun: Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Partial Shade: Can tolerate some afternoon shade.

Watering:

• Medium Water Needs: Requires regular watering, especially during the hottest periods to promote blooms. Plant it in well-drained soil to prevent root rot.

Soil:

• Well-Drained Soil: Prefers fertile, organically rich, medium moisture soils.
• Soil pH: Tolerates slightly acidic to alkaline soils but may develop chlorosis (yellowing) in highly alkaline conditions.

Temperature:

• Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA zones 9-11. In colder regions, it can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors in bright, sunny rooms.
• Heat Tolerance: Thrives in high temperatures and is drought-tolerant once established.

Maintenance:

• Low Maintenance: Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming. Prune as needed after flowering to maintain shape and size.
• Pest Resistance: Generally free from significant pests and diseases, though it may occasionally be affected by scale insects. Regular monitoring and treatment with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap can manage scale infestations.

Winter Care:

• In regions colder than zone 9, grow Tecoma stans ‘Gold Star’ in containers and bring them indoors before the first frost. Store in a bright, sunny location and reduce watering during the winter months.

Propagation

Tecoma stans ‘Gold Star’ can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Here’s how to propagate this beautiful plant:

1. Seeds:
   • During the blooming season, slender seed pods develop. Allow the pods to turn brown and split open to release the seeds.
   • Collect and dry the seeds, then store them in a cool, dry place until spring.
   • To start seeds, plant them about 1/8 inch (3 mm) deep in moist, well-draining soil. Keep the soil slightly moist until germination occurs in 2-3 weeks.
2. Cuttings:
   • Take softwood cuttings (green, pliable stems) from the top of a stem in mid-spring to early summer.
   • Cut a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) section, remove the lower leaves, and plant the cutting in a well-draining medium.
   • Keep the medium moist but not soggy, and place the cutting in indirect sunlight.
   • Roots should develop within two weeks. Once new leaves appear, gradually acclimate the plant to more sunlight before transplanting it to its permanent location.

Garden Uses and Design Ideas

Tecoma stans ‘Gold Star’ is versatile in garden design and can be used in various ways:

• Containers and Pots: Ideal for patios and balconies, providing vibrant color.
• Mass Plantings: Creates a stunning swath of yellow blooms in garden beds.
• Specimen Plant: Acts as a focal point in landscapes and mixed borders.
• Hedges and Screening: These can be planted in groups to form a colorful, low-maintenance hedge.
• Attracts Wildlife: Its flowers are a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds.

Conclusion

Tecoma stans ‘Gold Star’ is a spectacular addition to any garden, offering vibrant, golden yellow blooms that persist from early summer through frost. Its heat and drought tolerance, combined with its low maintenance requirements, make it an excellent choice for warm climates. Whether grown in containers, as part of a mass planting, or as a specimen plant, this Texas native will brighten up any garden space with its cheerful, trumpet-shaped flowers. With proper care and occasional pruning, Tecoma stans ‘Gold Star’ will provide a season-long show of brilliant color and attract beneficial pollinators to your garden.