Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Sunday - December 16, 2007
From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation
Title: Time of year to plant Tecoma stans
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I wanted to know when the best time to plant the Esperanza flower (Tecoma stans) was. The information on the website did not give planting dates or soil conditions for this plant. Can you please help?ANSWER:
The best time to plant a woody plant like Tecoma stans (yellow trumpetbush) is in the late winter when the plant is relatively dormant. However, you can also purchase the "Gold Star Esperanza" cultivar from nurseries in pots, as well as plant from seeds or rooted cuttings. Probably the best time for a potted nursery specimen would be after the last frost in early spring.
Tecoma stans is classified as a deciduous perennial, blooming from spring to fall and, in ideal conditions, year round. It is considered hardy in USDA Zones 9-11, and probably will be okay in San Antonio. A hard freeze, down to 20 deg. may cause it to freeze to the ground, but if it is trimmed to the ground in late winter, it will regrow when it warms up. It needs sun to partial shade, and will grow in a wide variety of soils, including sand and limestone. This Texas Cooperative Extension website will give you more complete information on this plant, with the very apt common name of "Yellow Bells."
More Propagation Questions
Pineapple plant care
November 05, 2005 - Hello, I have a new pineapple plant that is still very small 1-2 inches around the fruit at most. The fruit has recently turned a deep yellow as if it were ripe. I am wondering if it can be ripe at su...
view the full question and answer
Are there production timing guides for native plant production?
October 27, 2009 - We need growers timetable guide for native plants from seed to salable size. Any already published guides out there?
view the full question and answer
Information about Lady Lupine (Lupinus villosus)
April 20, 2008 - Dear Mr.Smarty Plants,
Lady Lupine grows in our yard in northeast Florida, and I would like to learn more about it, especially the stages it goes through, like now the purple petals themselves are c...
view the full question and answer
Keeping a Texas Madrone alive from Belton TX
October 01, 2012 - I have found a supplier of a Texas Madrone and have been wanting to grow one ever since our family vacation to Big Bend NP. My question is how do you have success with this tree? Many people say it is...
view the full question and answer
Germination of bluebonnet seeds in Hempstead, TX
April 01, 2008 - We scattered 20 lbs of bluebonnet seeds on our property near Hempstead. Only about 10 plants have come up even though on another part of the property we have thousands. It is well drained and in sun....
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |