Lydia™ Esperanza
- **Type**: Evergreen shrub (in warm climates) or deciduous in cooler zones
- **Height**: 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters)
- **Width**: 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters)
- **Growth Habit**: Upright, spreading, moderately compact
- **Foliage**:
- Dark green, serrated, pointed leaves, 2 to 4 inches long (5 to 10 cm)
- Evergreen in frost-free climates; may drop leaves in colder winters
- **Flowers**:
- Showy clusters of bright yellow, trumpet-shaped blooms
- Each flower 1 to 2 inches long (2.5 to 5 cm)
- Bloom season: Early spring to mid-fall (March to October), nearly year-round in mild climates
- Lightly fragrant, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- **Light**: Full sun (6+ hours daily) for best flowering; tolerates partial shade
- **Soil**:
- Well-drained; adapts to sandy, loamy, or average soils
- Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7.5)
- **Watering**: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established, water regularly during first year
- **Hardiness**: USDA Zones 7 to 11 (0°F or -18°C; may die back in cold but regrows from roots)
- **Wildlife**: Attracts pollinators (bees, butterflies, hummingbirds); not particularly attractive to deer
- **Care**:
- Prune in late winter to shape or remove dead wood
- Fertilize lightly with a balanced mix (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring
- Cut back seedpods to encourage continuous blooming
- **Pests/Diseases**:
- Generally pest-free; may see aphids or spider mites
- Susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soil
- **Uses**: Specimen plant, foundation planting, containers, tropical accent, or low hedge
- **Growth Rate**: Moderate; reaches mature size in 1-2 seasons under good conditions
- **Special Features**:
- Hybrid cultivar (TEC60109105), more restrained than wild Tecoma stans
- Long bloom period and vibrant color make it a standout
Lydia™ Esperanza’s cheerful yellow flowers and tidy growth make it a versatile, low-maintenance choice for sunny spots or patios. Let me know if you’d like more care tips or planting ideas!