Tecoma stans

The Tecoma stans or Golden Trumpet is a tropical shrub that can also grow in a warm temperate climate. Its flowering is particularly attractive, consisting of numerous clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers in a bright yellow color. It stretches throughout the growing season, from spring to the beginning of autumn, making it an extremely desirable flowering plant. As it is frost-sensitive, it can only be planted in a few frost free areas. However, Tecoma stans can be cultivated in containers elsewhere, allowing it to be enjoyed on a terrace during the warm season, and then overwintered in a bright frost-free room.

The genus Tecoma belongs to the Bignoniaceae family, which includes trees (such as Catalpa), shrubs, and numerous climbers and lianas (Campsis, Podranea, etc.). There are 14 species of Tecoma, 2 from Africa and the others from South America, mainly evergreen shrubs and small trees.
This is the case with Tecoma stans, which is mainly native to tropical areas of South America and also Central America, where it grows from sea level up to 1300m (4265ft) altitude, in deciduous or semi-evergreen forests. It forms a shrub or a small tree, ranging from 4.50m (15ft) to 6-8m (20-26ft) in height, with a grayish and rough bark. Highly branched, it generally has a rounded habit. It is a semi-deciduous species, meaning it loses its leaves when new ones appear.

Cultivated in a warm temperate climate, it behaves as a deciduous plant, losing its leaves due to winter cold. Only the mildest areas can accommodate it in the ground (there is one specimen in the botanical garden of Bormes les Mimosas, well protected in the heart of the old village). Under this type of climate, it usually forms a bush 2-3m (7-10ft) in height, decorative with its beautiful cut leaves and especially its magnificent flowering. From April to September, clusters of bright yellow flowers are constantly renewed, attracting attention from all around. Shaped like trumpets measuring 4 to 5cm (2in) in width, slightly fragrant, they are grouped at the ends of branches. Nectar-bearing, they attract bees and butterflies. Their bright yellow color is tinged with subtle red streaks in the corolla tube. The fruits that follow are elongated pods, measuring up to 20cm (8in) in length, initially green and then turning dark brown when ripe. Dehiscent, they open by themselves to release numerous winged seeds, dispersed by the wind.

The abundant foliage is a beautiful bright green, with a light and very decorative appearance. It is composed of opposite leaves on the stems, measuring up to 25cm (10in) in length and consisting of 5 to 13 leaflets. Lanceolate and relatively narrow, they are delicately toothed. A frost-sensitive plant, its above-ground parts can be destroyed from -2°C (28.4°F). The root, on the other hand, is more resistant, being able to withstand temperatures down to -8°C (17.6°F) or -10°C (14°F) and then regrow in the following spring.

With its deliciously exotic appearance, Tecoma stans is captivating due to its enchanting and long-lasting flowering. Accompany it with other tender plants to create a tropical-inspired scene on your terrace. The Plumbago capensis will play the color contrast card with its long-lasting blue flowers. If you have enough space to overwinter a container with a trellis, go for the Hardenbergia violacea, a fabulous climber producing numerous violet-colored flowers resembling peas. And to add a tangy touch to your decor, why not choose a Citrus limon, which will offer you enchanting white flowers and lemons that you can use in the kitchen.