Bells in the Desert

Growing six feet and higher, and sometimes upwards of 10 feet, esperanza (Tecoma stans) can be startling, especially when found blooming in extremely dry areas. Since the word ‚”esperanza” is Spanish for hope, the plant possibly inspired that emotion to early settlers of the desiccated southwestern U.S. and Mexico. Perhaps the lushness and beauty of the plant growing in the desert gave them hope that other types of plants could grow there as well.

Yellow Clusters

The yellow flowers grow in clusters from the tips and at the forks of branches. The weight of the flowers often bends the twigs into arches. At this point the flowers point downward, resembling groups of little yellow bells.

The plant is native to Arizona, Texas and New Mexico, basically the Chihuahuan Desert and its eastern extreme, the Trans-Pecos Desert. But it’s also native to Florida and many of the Caribbean Islands, as well as Central and South America as far south as Brazil. Esperanza is also the national plant of The Bahamas. Other names for esperanza are yellow bells, yellow trumpetflower and yellow elder.

Perennial

Esperanza is a perennial. And it has a long blooming season, sporting its bright plumage from April through November.

The plant is very drought resistant. In fact, too much water can damage young plants and may thwart growth in larger plants. The plant grows well in dry soils. Although full sun is preferable, esperanza will grow in partial shade. It will also grow in different soils, tolerating rocky and limestone soils and will even grow in sand.

Cut Esperanza Back in Cold Winters

In colder areas the plant is deciduous but it doesn’t tolerate extreme cold very well. Below 28 degrees F and the plant is less hardy. A good solution to preserving the plant in areas with harsher winters is to cut it back to the ground in fall. The plant will sprout again in the spring. In warmer areas with mild winters, esperanza can be evergreen. Cutting it back severely even in warmer areas can help rejuvenate the plant.

Propagating Esperanza

In fall, the blooms are replaced by slender pods, which droop from the branches. Yellow bell can be propagated readily by seeds taken from the pods. Cuttings from young branch tips also root well.The plant works best as an accent shrub. It also does well in xeric gardens..

Esperanza Is Larval Host

Yellow bell is larval host to the Southern dogface butterfly (Colias cesonia) is larval host and nectar supply for the Plebian sphinx moth (Paratrea plebeja). Bees and hummingbirds seek nectar from the plant. Small mammals and birds feed on the seeds

The plant is used in herbal medicine, treating digestive problems. There are also claims that the leaves of esperanza are effective in reducing yeast infections.