Flaming Bells
Tecoma fulva subsp. guarume (Ta-COH-ma FULL-vah gwah-ROO-me)
Orange bells is a broadleaf, evergreen, perennial shrub or small tree that has clusters of bright orange, trumpet-shaped flowers. It is native to the American tropics, including Florida and the Caribbean. The genus name, Tecoma , is derived from the Nahuatl name "tecomaxochitl," meaning “tubular flower.” The specific epithet is Latin for "tawny orange" and refers to the color of the flower. The subspecific epithet is derived from an indigenous name. Orange bells prefer full sun. It will survive in partial shade, but the number of blooms will decrease. Loamy, sandy, and rocky soils are well tolerated. Heavily alkaline soils result in chlorosis causing the leaves to yellow. Young plants require frequent watering to establish their roots. Once the shrub is established, it is more drought-tolerant. They are fast-growing and leggy. Orange bells grow more aggressively in hot and humid climates. The shrub will freeze in temperatures less than 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Pruning is recommended in the late fall or winter to control the plant's height and shape. The shrub is propagated by seeds, softwood cuttings, or stem cuttings. The shrub grows from 10 to 15 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide. Orange bells is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that has clusters of bright orange trumpet-shaped flowers. The flowers are present from late spring until the first frost. The flowers bloom all year round in warmer climates. The nectar of the flowers attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and many other creatures. Orange bells is the larval host for the plebeian sphinx moth (Paratrea plebeja) . In colder climates, orange bells is often grown on patios in containers. In the landscape, it may be used as an accent, border, or hedge to provide privacy and screening. Quick ID Hints: Opposite, pinnately compound leaves Leaflets are glossy green with serrated margins Bright orange trumpet-shaped flowers Thin, elongated fruit capsules Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems: Typically, there are no notable pests or diseases.
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 60 attributes.
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