PlantFiles: Orange Esperanza, Orangebells, Orange Trumpet Bush, Orange Star
Tecoma 'Orange Jubilee'

I am trying to grow orange bells in a pot. It gets morning sun. I planted it in the spring. We had a very hot summer in Austin with temperatures over 100 degrees for about a month and the edges of the leaves turned brown. I don't know if I overwatered or let it get too dry. It's got a little bit of new growth but not much.

I have had moderate sucess propagating this plant both by cuttings, and by seed. Cuttings need to be shaded (filtered light is fine), and misted several times a day until rooted. I used a 75% perlite/25% peat mix to root in. Seeds need to be planted just under the surface-I lay mine on the soil, then cover lightly with vermiculite. I have tried sprouting the seeds in paper towel prior to planting, but I have had no luck so far with that method. If anyone else has any tips, please share them!!! Orange Esperanza does very well here in the coastal bend area of south Texas.

Just to add, it is a floriforous plant, even if not as much so as Gold Star. The flowers are a very vibrant orange, and mine has continued to flower from late spring and throughout summer. It does have lax branches which tend to weep, particularly under the weight of the flowers at the branch tips. A first year plant may not bloom much, but from second year on, it should bloom very well. Loves full harsh sun and is drought resistant once established.

This variety tends to need some sort of support for some of the limbs as they are not as strong as "Goldstar" cultivar. It also does not bloom as freely and as often as "Goldstar". The color is very nice though and the ease of growing and no disease or insect problems make it a worthwhile plant.

The Orange Jubilee is thriving around Chandler, AZ. in various facing directions; and flowers, practically, year round. Also, has grown relatively fast with little water once established.
Candyaz.

San Antonio, Tx.
Tecoma alata, a heat loving, small tree/large perennial shrub, is an Argentine native that is root-hardy to at least 6ºF (-14.4º C). It will die back in areas with a heavy freeze, but will resprout in the spring even in Zone 7. It grows 8-10' tall and 6-8' wide and has dark green leaves which make the clusters of trumpet-shaped, orange flowers really stand out. The orange flowers appear throughout the warm season, but this variety does not bloom as prolifically as Gold Star esperanza (yellow blooming). It is drought tolerant and will grow in limestone and sandy soils. To create a fuller plant the following season in frost-free areas, cut it back in the winter. It can be used as a patio plant in colder regions.