Print This Page
Esperanza, Dwarf
Tecoma stans 'Gold Star'
Gold Star Esperanza is a standout cultivar of the Tecoma stans, admired for its compact form and prolific bloom production. This hardy, heat-tolerant shrub thrives in Texas landscapes, especially in areas with hot summers. Known for its vibrant yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom from spring through fall, Gold Star Esperanza adds a tropical flair to gardens and is a popular choice for pollinator-friendly plantings. While not a Texas native, this cultivar is widely used for its adaptability to various landscapes and its long flowering season.
This sun-loving plant performs best in full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade with slightly reduced blooms. Gold Star Esperanza prefers well-drained soils and can handle neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. It is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping. The plant is non-toxic, but its bright blooms can attract bees and other pollinators, so care should be taken when placing it in high-traffic areas. Deer tend to avoid it, adding to its appeal in rural or suburban settings.
Gold Star Esperanza typically grows to a height and width of about 3 to 5 feet, making it more compact than the standard Tecoma stans. This smaller size makes it suitable for containers, small gardens, or as a mid-sized backdrop in larger plantings. When planting in the landscape, space plants about 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for airflow and proper growth. Regular deadheading of spent blooms can encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season.
In winter, Gold Star Esperanza is not as cold-hardy as the native species. In areas prone to freezing temperatures, it may die back to the ground but will regrow in the spring from its roots if well-mulched. In frost-free areas, it remains evergreen and blooms year-round with light pruning to shape and manage growth.
 |
Heat Tolerant |
|
Deer Resistant |
|
Warm Season Bloomer |
Flower Color:Yellow
|
 |
Height:3-5 Feet
|
|
Spread:3-4 Feet
|
|
Spacing:3-4 ft
|
USDA Hardiness Zone 9a
Available Sizes:
| Item |
Description |
| ESP-DWF-05 |
#003 ESPERANZA, 'Gold Star' |
|
Characteristics & Attributes
|
Deer Tolerance
|
Exposure
|
Habit
| • |
Semi Evergreen |
| • |
Perennial |
|
Soil pH Preference
|
|
Water Needs
|
Texas Native
|
Tolerates Poor Drainage
|
