Arizona Yellow Bells

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 4-8 feet
Spread: 4-6 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Arizona Yellow Bells (Tecoma stans var. angustata) – A Vibrant and Hardy Desert Shrub for Arizona Landscapes

Arizona Yellow Bells, scientifically known as Tecoma stans var. angustata, is a beautiful and resilient shrub that thrives in Arizona's hot and arid climate. This desert-adapted plant is celebrated for its bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers and its ability to attract pollinators, making it a colorful and ecologically beneficial choice for water-wise gardens.

Key Features of Arizona Yellow Bells

1. Brilliant Yellow Flowers
   The most striking feature of Arizona Yellow Bells is its abundance of vivid yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers. Blooming from spring through fall, these large, sunny blossoms create a cheerful display that adds warmth and color to the landscape. The flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.

2. Compact and Upright Growth Habit
   Arizona Yellow Bells shrubs typically grow 6 to 12 feet tall with a similar spread, forming an upright, bushy shape. This size and form make it suitable for various landscape uses, from privacy screens and hedges to accent plants and focal points in mixed borders.

3. Drought Tolerance and Water Efficiency
   Well-suited to Arizona’s arid climate, Arizona Yellow Bells is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it a valuable choice for xeriscaping. It requires minimal supplemental water, helping to conserve resources in water-scarce regions. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil to avoid root rot.

Growing and Maintenance Tips

• Sunlight: Arizona Yellow Bells loves full sun, which promotes its best flowering performance.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil and is tolerant of poor soil conditions.
• Watering: Water deeply and infrequently; it's low-maintenance and water-wise once established.
• Pruning: Light pruning helps maintain shape and encourages denser growth. Remove dead or overgrown branches as needed.

Landscape Uses

Arizona Yellow Bells’ bright color and structured growth make it versatile for a range of landscape applications:

• Privacy Screens and Hedges: Its dense growth creates natural screening and can provide privacy.
• Accents and Borders: Adds bold color and structure to mixed plantings in borders or as a standalone accent.
• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts beneficial pollinators, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.

Benefits of Choosing Arizona Yellow Bells

This shrub offers a combination of beauty, resilience, and ecological benefits. It’s easy to care for and thrives in the hot, dry conditions typical of Arizona, providing vibrant color with minimal maintenance. Gardeners appreciate its adaptability and long blooming season, which bring year-round interest and warmth to desert gardens.

Summary

Arizona Yellow Bells is a colorful, low-maintenance shrub that’s perfect for Arizona landscapes. Its bright yellow flowers, drought tolerance, and pollinator-friendly nature make it a standout choice for desert gardens. Whether used for screening, in borders, or as a focal point, Arizona Yellow Bells adds charm, color, and ecological value to any outdoor space.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Arizona Yellow Bells

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soil)
• Spacing: Space plants 4-6 feet apart to allow for their mature size and optimal air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: No staking is typically required for established plants; young plants may need light support to keep them upright as they grow

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks to encourage deep root growth and establishment
• Watering Amount: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session to ensure deep watering around the root zone

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Arizona Yellow Bells are considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil and the plant begins showing steady new growth

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hot months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall. Arizona Yellow Bells are drought-tolerant once established, but they still benefit from occasional deep watering during dry winter periods.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure that water is directed to the root zone, avoiding excess moisture near the plant’s stem.
• Flow Rate: Use emitters that provide 1-2 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering. This ensures that the water reaches the root zone and promotes deep root development.
• Number of Emitters: Place 2-3 emitters around the base of the plant to ensure the entire root zone is watered evenly. Increase the number of emitters as the plant matures.
• Irrigation Zone: Set up a dedicated irrigation zone for Arizona Yellow Bells and other desert-friendly plants to ensure you can adjust the watering frequency and amount based on their specific needs.
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, you may need to increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks, or adjust based on rainfall.

General Watering Tips:

• Soil Check: Check the soil moisture regularly. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
• Avoid Overwatering: Arizona Yellow Bells are drought-tolerant once established and thrive in well-drained soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil has good drainage.
• Mulch: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool, but avoid placing mulch directly against the plant’s stem.