Click on image for full screen view.

Form/flower

Bignoniaceae

As a Texas Super Star, esperanza has recently become a popular ornamental plant in Texas gardens. In the wild it will be found growing on rocky slopes near San Antonio and in the Trans-Pecos, north into New Mexico and Arizona, east to Florida and south into Central and South America in well drained soil and full sun. The Trans-Pecos plants are considered to be the most cold hardy, but they are still only really hardy to zone 8b. North of there it should be used as an annual or as a fast growing, large container plant which may be moved into warmer winter quarters. The striking, tubular 2 1/2-inch bright yellow flowers are highlighted by the attractive, shiny, green foliage and continue through the heat of the summer. The flowers have an odd but pleasing fragrance and also provide nectar for bees. The Indians made bows from its wood, and in Mexico a beer was prepared from its roots; it has also been used for a variety of medicines.

Plant Habit or Use: small shrub
medium shrub

Exposure: sun

Flower Color: yellow

Blooming Period: spring
summer
fall

Fruit Characteristics: 4- to 6-inch-long capsule

Height: 3 to 6 feet

Width: 3 to 4 feet

Plant Character: deciduous
semievergreen

Heat Tolerance: high

Water Requirements:

Soil Requirements: neutral
alkaline

USDA Hardiness Zone: 8

Additional Comments: