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!