Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
Pictures, Photos, And Information
Shrubs

Orange Bells, Tecoma garrocha

Orange Bells, Tecoma garrocha. March 15, 2006. Sun City.

Hieron Leaves	Tecoma garrocha Flowers

Orange Bells Tecoma garrocha, Bignonia Family: ( Bignoniaceae ) , Orange Bells. Also called: Hieron. Orange Bells is a five foot high shrub with pinnate leaves and racemes of orange-salmon funnelform 2" flowers. native of Argentina. Hardy to at least 22°F. Experiences in the Phoenix metro area suggests that Orange Bells are hardy to 20 degrees F. However, some frost injury to branch tips has been observed at temperatures below freezing. The roots are very cold hardy so even plants that freeze to the ground grow back rapidly in spring. Orange Bells grow best in the full sun and well-drained soils and it can tolerate severe pruning during the winter. Winter pruning helps to shape the plant and encourage the development of new wood for additional flowers. Tecoma garrocha is in the bignonia family with about 725 mostly tropical species worldwide. Only four members occur in our region. A few well - known members include jacaranda, and trumpet vine. Height: 10 - 20 feet tall, spread 8 to 12 feet. Flowers: Trumpet shaped, Yellow - Orange to orange. Blooming Time: Late March to October. Leaves: Leaves are pinnately compound; 4 - 6 inches long, 3 1/2 inches wide, its leaflets are about 1 - 2 inches long; very glossy green serrated-edged, with lance-shaped leaflets. Found: Native of Argentina and Bolivia. Elevation: 600 to 2,500 Feet. Habitat: Desert alkaline soil. Good Xeriscape landscaping plant. Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken March 15, 2006. Sun City.