Bells Of Fire

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 4-6 feet
Spread: 2-5 feet
Flower Color: bright-red to orange
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Bells of Fire (Tecoma 'Bells of Fire') – A Bold and Drought-Tolerant Shrub for Arizona Gardens

Bells of Fire, scientifically known as Tecoma 'Bells of Fire', is a hardy, low-maintenance shrub that brings tropical flair to Arizona landscapes with its vibrant red-orange flowers and compact growth habit. Ideal for the hot and arid climate, this plant is both visually striking and ecologically beneficial, attracting pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies.

Key Features of Bells of Fire

1. Fiery Red-Orange Flowers
   The hallmark of Bells of Fire is its profusion of trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of bold red-orange. These blooms create a stunning contrast against green foliage, providing a continuous color display from spring through fall. The bright flowers also attract hummingbirds and butterflies, enhancing your garden's biodiversity and adding lively movement.

2. Compact and Upright Growth
   Reaching 4 to 6 feet in height and spread, Bells of Fire has a well-balanced, upright form that works well in a variety of landscape settings. This moderate size makes it ideal for borders, foundation plantings, or as an eye-catching focal point in the garden.

3. Drought Tolerance and Low Maintenance
   Well-adapted to Arizona’s desert climate, Bells of Fire is drought-tolerant once established, making it a great option for water-wise landscaping. It performs best in full sun and requires minimal watering, thriving in well-drained soil.

Growing and Maintenance Tips

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun, which helps produce the most vibrant flowers.
• Soil: Thrives in well-drained soils and tolerates a range of soil types.
• Watering: Water deeply but infrequently once established, making it a great choice for xeriscaping.
• Pruning: Prune lightly after the blooming season to shape the plant and remove any dead or overgrown branches.

Landscape Uses

Bells of Fire’s fiery color and structured growth make it versatile for various landscape applications:

• Accent Plant: Use as a focal point to add tropical color to the garden.
• Borders and Foundation Plantings: Works well in borders and around the house as a decorative shrub.
• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, making it perfect for pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Benefits of Choosing Bells of Fire

This shrub combines beauty and resilience, thriving in Arizona’s desert environment with minimal maintenance. Its drought tolerance, stunning red-orange blooms, and compact form make it a practical and eye-catching choice for homeowners looking to add color without high water needs. The attraction to pollinators also makes it an eco-friendly addition.

Summary

Bells of Fire is an excellent choice for Arizona landscapes, offering intense color, drought tolerance, and a low-maintenance nature. Its red-orange blooms, moderate size, and pollinator-friendly attributes make it a versatile and vibrant addition to gardens, adding both aesthetic and ecological value to the desert environment.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Bells of Fire

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 (slightly acidic to neutral soil is preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for optimal growth and proper 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 required; Bells of Fire grows as a compact, upright shrub and is self-supporting

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 help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session to ensure deep watering around the roots

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Bells of Fire is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil and the plant begins showing consistent new growth

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall. Bells of Fire is drought-tolerant once established but still benefits 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 reaches the root zone and promotes deep root growth. This helps prevent excess moisture near the plant’s base, which could cause rot.
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering. This ensures that water penetrates deep into the soil and encourages a healthy root system.
• Number of Emitters: Place 2 emitters around the base of each plant to ensure even water distribution. Adjust the number of emitters as the plant matures.
• Irrigation Zone: Set up a dedicated irrigation zone for drought-tolerant plants like Bells of Fire, allowing you to adjust the watering frequency and duration based on their specific needs.
• Adjusting Frequency: In the summer, you may need to increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days, especially during high temperatures. 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: Bells of Fire is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in well-drained soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil drains well and avoid standing water around the plant.
• Mulch: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture, keep the roots cool, and reduce weed growth. Avoid placing mulch directly against the plant’s stem.