Esperanza, Gold Star

Plant name: Esperanza, Gold Star

Scientific name: Tecoma stans ‘Gold Star’

Plant description:
Esperanza ‘Gold Star’ is a compact selection of yellow bells valued for its continuous bloom cycle and strong heat tolerance. This warm-season shrub produces upright stems with a rounded growth habit and remains more controlled in size than standard Tecoma stans. It is commonly used for long-season color in sunny landscapes and performs reliably in high temperatures.

Flower description:
Large, trumpet-shaped flowers appear in bright golden yellow clusters at the tips of stems. Blooms are produced repeatedly from late spring through fall in warm conditions. The tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators and maintain strong color without fading quickly in sun.

Leaf description:
Leaves are compound and medium green with a slightly glossy surface. Each leaf is made up of several narrow leaflets arranged along a central stem. Foliage provides a dense backdrop that highlights the bright yellow blooms.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Evergreen in frost-free climates; deciduous or dieback perennial in areas with winter freezes

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 8–11

Mature height and width:
Typically 3–4 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, forming a rounded shrub

Landscape uses:
Suitable for foundation plantings, mixed shrub borders, pollinator gardens, and large containers. Effective as a focal plant in sunny beds or grouped for a mass planting of consistent yellow color. Its manageable size makes it easier to maintain than older, larger-growing esperanza varieties.

Native range:
Species native to the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America; ‘Gold Star’ is a cultivated selection

Sun exposure:
Full sun is required for strong flowering and compact growth. Reduced sunlight leads to fewer blooms and elongated stems.

Water requirements:
Moderate water during establishment. Once established, it tolerates dry periods but performs best with consistent moisture in well-drained soil. Avoid heavy, poorly drained sites.

Pests and problems:
Generally low maintenance. Occasional issues may include spider mites or aphids during periods of stress. Root rot can occur in saturated soils. Pruning helps maintain shape and encourages additional bloom cycles.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Excellent tolerance of heat and intense sun. Maintains steady flowering through hot summer conditions when planted in well-drained soil.

Cold tolerance:
Top growth may be damaged by frost. In marginal climates within its hardiness range, plants often regrow from the base after light freezes. Prolonged or severe cold can cause significant dieback.

Growing tips:
Plant in a location with full sun and strong drainage to promote heavy bloom production. Prune lightly during the growing season to encourage branching and additional flower clusters. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which can reduce flowering and promote overly soft growth. In cooler regions, cut back frost-damaged stems in early spring once new growth begins to emerge.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

, Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.