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Tecoma stans 'Lonesp'(GOLD STAR)

Image of Tecoma stans 'Lonesp' (GOLD STAR)

Maureen Gilmer

Family

Bignoniaceae

Botanical Name

Tecoma stans 'Lonesp'(GOLD STAR)

Plant Common Name

Esperanza , Yellow Trumpetbush

General Description

The delicate beauty of this lemon yellow flowered shrub belies its cast iron constitution. A free-flowering cultivar of a large shrub or small tree found from southern North America to southern South America, Gold Star trumpetbush ('Lonesp') can stand up to the worst heat of the low deserts and the humidity of the tropics. Its only limitation is sensitivity to freezing cold.

In mild climates 'Lonesp' may bloom nearly all year with large clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers. Unlike many forms of trumpetbush, plants begin to bloom at an early age. Hummingbirds and bees of all kinds find the flowers irresistible. Plants lose their leaves and cease flowering for one to three months in midwinter. Unlike other desert plants, which have silver or blue gray foliage, this shrub bears lush mid-green leaves.

Garden grown specimens require perfectly drained soil and full sun. Because they bloom on new wood, they take well to heavy pruning and will resprout and flower after a killing frost. Gold Star trumpetbush can serve as a background shrub, small tree, informal hedge or wildlife plant. It is well suited for sustainable xeric landscapes, but also responds well to moisture and fertilization in summer. Remove the bean-like seedpods to encourage prolific and continual reblooming.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 10

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    8 - 15

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 12, 13, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    3'-10' / 0.9m - 3.0m

  • Width

    3'-10' / 0.9m - 3.0m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Late Fall, Early Winter

  • Native To

    Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, South America, Argentina

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant

  • Habit

    Arching/Fountain-shaped

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Lemon Yellow

  • Fruit Color

    Yellow Green, Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Yellow Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green

  • Bark Color

    Tan, Sandy Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Semi-Evergreen

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds, Hummingbirds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes