Yellow Bells Flower
Tecoma stans
Yellow Bells is a vigorous, sun-loving tropical shrub or small tree producing abundant clusters of cheerful, bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers almost year-round in warm climates. It is the national flower of the United States Virgin Islands and one of the most reliably floriferous plants for hot, sunny gardens worldwide.
Bignoniaceae (Trumpet vine family)
Nearly year-round in tropical climates; spring through autumn in warm temperate regions (March–November)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: gaillardias and chrysogonums also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Yellow Bells holds its most prominent cultural status as the national flower of the United States Virgin Islands, where it is known as "Ginger Thomas" and is a beloved symbol of the islands' vibrant tropical beauty and resilient spirit. It is also the state flower of the Yucatán state in Mexico, where it is known as "Esperanza" — meaning "hope" — a name that perfectly captures its sunny, forward-looking character. Throughout Central America, the Caribbean, and the southwestern United States, Yellow Bells is so thoroughly woven into the everyday landscape of warm-climate towns and gardens that it functions as an unofficial emblem of tropical and subtropical living. Its near-continuous golden-yellow bloom in even the harshest conditions reinforces its identity as a plant of extraordinary resilience and unwavering optimism.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; requires maximum sunlight for best flowering; tolerates no shade for heavy bloom production
Water
Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established; can survive extended dry periods; avoid waterlogged conditions
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy, Rocky, Loamy, Poor soils tolerated, Slightly acidic to neutral
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil — Yellow Bells thrives with heat and tolerates poor, dry conditions
Prune hard in late winter or early spring to control size and stimulate a fresh flush of growth and flowers
Water regularly during establishment; once established, minimal supplemental irrigation is needed
In frost-prone areas, grow in a container and bring indoors before first frost; established plants may resprout from roots after light frost
Feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring and midsummer to maximize flowering in container culture
Excellent for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies — one of the most wildlife-friendly shrubs for hot, dry gardens
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Specimen flowering shrub or small tree in warm gardens
- Hedge or screen in tropical and subtropical landscapes
- Street and median planting in hot climates
- Container specimen for patios and terraces
- Butterfly and hummingbird garden planting
- Xeriscape and low-water garden anchor plant
- Trained as a standard or espalier
Traditional Uses
- Widely used in traditional medicine across Latin America and the Caribbean: leaves and roots are used to treat diabetes — several studies have confirmed hypoglycemic activity in Tecoma stans extracts
- Root preparations are used as a digestive tonic and for treating gastrointestinal complaints across Mexico and Central America
- Bark preparations are used in folk medicine for treating fever and as a diuretic
- Active compounds including tecomine and tecostanine are under research for antidiabetic pharmaceutical applications
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Yellow Bells Flower
What does Yellow Bells flower symbolize?
Yellow Bells symbolizes optimism, joy, and hope. Its Spanish name "Esperanza" means hope, perfectly reflecting its sunny character. Known as the national flower of the US Virgin Islands, it also represents resilience and national pride — a plant that blooms abundantly even in harsh, dry conditions, embodying an unshakeable cheerful spirit.
What is the national flower of the US Virgin Islands?
Yellow Bells (Tecoma stans), locally known as "Ginger Thomas," is the national flower of the United States Virgin Islands. Its bright yellow trumpet flowers are a ubiquitous part of the islands' natural landscape and a defining symbol of their tropical beauty and vibrant spirit.
Is Yellow Bells the same as Yellow Trumpet Vine?
Yellow Bells (Tecoma stans) is a shrub or small tree, not a vine, though it belongs to the same family (Bignoniaceae) as trumpet vines. It is sometimes confused with Yellow Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans f. flava) due to similar flower shape, but they are different plants with different growth habits — Tecoma stans is upright and shrubby while Campsis is a true climbing vine.
How do I keep Yellow Bells blooming?
Yellow Bells blooms most prolifically in full sun with well-drained soil. Deadheading spent clusters encourages continuous re-blooming. Pruning hard in late winter removes old wood and stimulates a strong new flush of flowering growth. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which promotes leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Is Yellow Bells drought tolerant?
Yes, Yellow Bells is exceptionally drought tolerant once established. It is one of the most heat- and drought-resilient flowering shrubs available for warm-climate gardens, continuing to bloom prolifically through hot, dry periods that would cause most other flowering plants to struggle. This resilience makes it a top choice for xeriscape and water-wise gardens.
Does Yellow Bells attract hummingbirds?
Yes, Yellow Bells is one of the best hummingbird-attracting plants for warm-climate gardens. Its abundant, nectar-rich trumpet flowers are ideally shaped for hummingbird feeding, and in bloom it also draws large numbers of butterflies and bees, making it an outstanding choice for pollinator garden plantings.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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