The golden trumpet (Tecoma stans syn. Bignonia stans, Stenolobium stans) locally called dandelion wood or Caribbean wood or sometimes also yellow bignone is a large shrub or small tree that is native to the southern states of the United States and Central America (Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, etc.) but tends to become invasive, especially in the countries where it has been introduced (South Africa, New Caledonia, etc.). The frost destroys the aerial parts from 0°C, however the plant can start from the stump which resists down to -10°C.
Its development close to that of a liana, gives the tacoma stans a graceful and voluble aspect. Its shiny green evergreen leaves are 15 to 35cm long, pinnate with up to 13 oblong, lanceolate, finely toothed leaflets.
Flowering can take place almost all year round but it occurs mainly from April to the end of summer, in the form of funnel-shaped, trumpet-shaped flowers, 5 cm long, united in terminal clusters forming magnificent pleasantly scented bouquets. With their bright yellow color, the flowers attract bees and other foragers for their nectar properties.
They then give way to fruits in long green pods turning brown when drying, from which many winged seeds escape enclosed in a parchment envelope.
- Family: Bignoniaceae
- Type: large evergreen shrub
- Origin: Central America
- Color: yellow flowers
- Sowing: yes
- Cutting: yes
- Planting: spring or fall
- Flowering: April to October
- Height: 3 to 5 m (up to 10 m in its original environment)
Ideal soil and exposure for the Golden Trumpet
Tecoma stans Grows in full sun in rich, cool, well-drained soil, sheltered from cold winds.
In pots, a mixture of equal parts of leaf mold and loam will be suitable.
The nature of the soil is ultimately less important than sunshine and heat.
Date of sowing, cutting and planting of Tecoma stans
It is in the spring that you will sow the seeds in a sandy mixture that must be kept humid, warm at 21-25°C, barely covering them.
Semi-augmented cuttings are smothered in summer.
Planting takes place in spring or autumn.
Tecoma stans care and cultivation advice
Although the golden trumpet tolerates periods of drought, it needs regular watering during the growth period, especially if it is in a pot. In this case, if you are in a region where the winter is cold, the plant will have to be brought into a greenhouse or under a frost shelter.
Pruning is usually done after flowering or at the end of winter, but the growth of the golden trumpet is not particularly fast.
Diseases, pests and parasites of Tecoma stans
When the golden trumpet is overwintered in the greenhouse, it can be subject to attacks by spider mites.
Location and favorable association of Tecoma stans
It is a shrub that is used to being grown in pots in France because of its reluctance, however, in regions with mild winters such as the Côte d’Azur or even Brittany, it can succeed in the ground to integrate a shrub bed or a free hedge, or to be planted isolated against a low wall from the top of which it will overflow.
Recommended species and varieties of Tecoma for planting in the garden
Genre Tecoma counts a dozen species in total but you will mainly find the golden trumpet (Tecoma stans) with its bright yellow trumpet flowers, and Cape bignone (Tecoma capensis) with orange to scarlet tubular flowers.
Other plants of the genus Tecoma left it according to the evolution of the classifications. This is the case of the pink bignone (Podranea ricasoliana syn. Tecoma ricasoliana) or large-flowered bignone (Campsis grandiflora syn. Tecoma grandiflora)…
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Golden trumpet (Tecoma stans), a yellow bignone: planting, caring