Tecoma Orange is a heat-loving flowering shrub that blazes with bright orange trumpet-shaped blooms from spring through fall in SW Florida — a non-stop color machine that hummingbirds and butterflies cannot resist.
Tecoma stans Orange Jubilee (commonly called Tecoma Orange or Orange Bells) is a vigorous tropical shrub or small tree that has become one of the most popular flowering plants in Cape Coral and throughout SW Florida. Its clusters of vivid orange, trumpet-shaped blooms appear almost continuously during the warm season, covering the plant in color from late spring through the end of fall. In particularly warm years, blooming can continue almost year-round in coastal Lee County.
Tecoma Orange thrives in SW Florida's intense summer heat — it actually blooms more prolifically as temperatures rise, making it a standout performer during the July through September period when many ornamentals look tired. Combined with its outstanding drought tolerance once established and its low maintenance requirements, it is one of the most practical and beautiful choices for Cape Coral homeowners who want maximum color with minimum effort.
Without pruning, Tecoma Orange grows quickly into a large, arching shrub 8 to 12 feet tall and wide. Regular trimming keeps it more compact and encourages fresh blooming growth. It can also be trained to a small tree form by selecting a single leader and gradually removing lower branches, creating a dramatic flowering specimen 10 to 15 feet tall.
Growing Conditions for Tecoma Orange in SW Florida
- ✓Sun: Full sun — demands 6 or more hours of direct sun for continuous bloom production
- ✓Water: Drought-tolerant once established; water twice weekly for the first 4 to 6 months
- ✓Soil: Adaptable to Cape Coral's sandy, alkaline soils; excellent drainage is important
- ✓Fertilizer: Apply a bloom-boosting fertilizer (low nitrogen, higher phosphorus and potassium) in spring and midsummer
- ✓Mature size: 8 to 12 feet tall and wide unpruned; 4 to 6 feet with regular trimming
- ✓USDA Zone: 9b to 11 — fully hardy in Cape Coral; may die back to the roots in hard frost but re-sprouts vigorously
Planting Tips for Cape Coral & Lee County
Tecoma Orange establishes quickly in SW Florida. It begins blooming within the first growing season and once rooted in requires very little supplemental irrigation. The key planting decisions are selecting the sunniest available site and ensuring the drainage is good — Tecoma does not tolerate consistently wet feet, so avoid low-lying areas that pool after rain.
- ✓Plant in the sunniest location available — partial shade dramatically reduces bloom production
- ✓Ensure good drainage; plant on a slight elevation if your yard holds water after heavy summer rains
- ✓Prune back by one third in late winter or early spring to promote vigorous new growth and maximum blooming for the season
- ✓Fertilize in spring with a bloom-booster formula to set up the season's flower production
- ✓Allow 10 feet of clearance on all sides for a shrub form; 6 feet for a maintained compact form
💡 Pro Tip: Tecoma Orange is one of the most heat-activated flowering plants in SW Florida. While many homeowners see their ornamentals suffer and fade from July through September, Tecoma actually intensifies its bloom during the hottest months. Position it where it receives the most direct afternoon sun for peak summer performance exactly when you need the most garden color.
Common Problems & Solutions
- ✓Frost die-back to roots — rare in Cape Coral coastal areas; cut dead stems to the ground in spring and the plant will regrow
- ✓Sparse blooming — almost always caused by insufficient sun or high-nitrogen fertilizer; correct both issues for a rapid improvement
- ✓Root rot from poor drainage — choose a well-drained site; raised planting in problem areas prevents this
- ✓Leaf miners (winding trails on leaves) — cosmetic issue; rarely serious enough to require treatment in healthy, well-fertilized plants
Where to Use Tecoma Orange in Your Landscape
- ✓South or west-facing foundation planting where it gets maximum afternoon sun for summer bloom
- ✓Poolside accent shrub for bright orange color visible from the outdoor living area all summer
- ✓Hummingbird and butterfly garden anchor — its nectar-rich trumpet flowers are irresistible to both
- ✓Mixed tropical border as a tall orange accent behind shorter red and yellow flowering groundcovers
Florida Palm and Plant Co. carries Tecoma Orange in 3-gallon, 7-gallon, and 15-gallon sizes for instant color impact. Call (239) 392-4855 or get a free quote online — we deliver and plant throughout Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and all of Lee County.