The native form of yellow bells, with fine, narrow leaflets and clusters of bright yellow trumpet flowers from spring through fall. It grows fast, loves heat and draws hummingbirds, making it one of the easiest ways to add big seasonal color to a sunny yard.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the shrub schedule in our Landscape Care guide. It is more drought tolerant than the broadleaf tropical forms, but deep soaks through summer give more flowers and fuller growth.
Pruning
Wait until frost danger has passed in early spring, then cut out frost damage and head the plant back to renew it. It blooms on new growth and recovers fast. Avoid pruning in fall, which leaves it more open to freeze damage.
Cold
A hard freeze browns the leaves and small stems. Leave the damage in place over winter; it protects the plant until spring pruning.
Pests
In wet monsoon years a leaf-skeletonizing caterpillar can chew the upper leaves in late summer. The damage is cosmetic and short-lived.
How our designers use it
Seasonal color
Our designers use it as a tall background shrub that carries color from spring into fall.
Hummingbird gardens
Paired with red and orange flowering shrubs, it keeps hummingbirds visiting through the warm months.
Softening walls
Its fast, airy growth screens block walls and fills large spaces quickly.
Good to know
Around the pool
Spent flowers drop through the long bloom season, and the flowers attract bees. Keep it back from the water’s edge and seating.
