Goldstar’ Esperanza is botanically known as Tecoma stans and is in the family known as Bignoniaceae, which means it is related to native crossvines. It is a tropical native of the warmer parts of the United States, Mexico, and South America. It is listed as a plant in zone 9 or higher. In San Antonio, we typically expect them to reach 4 to 5 feet tall and mounded. They grow very large in frost-free areas.’Goldstar’ Esperanza is a wonderful selection by Greg Grant from a private garden in San Antonio when he was director of research and development at Lone Star Growers (now Color Spot Nursery). ‘Gold Star’ was chosen because it was the first of the Tacoma strains to bloom. Previously, Esperanza was difficult to sell because it did not flower in the container until late in the season. ‘Gold Star’ actually produces flowers at the linear stage.
This particular selection is intermediate in all role between the West Texas Tacoma stress angotata and the tropical Tacoma strain. Although grown as a shrub and perennial in San Antonio, South Texas, and Mexico, Esperanza works best as a tropical container plant in most gardens, as do Hibiscus, Bougainvillea, and Mandevilla. It is usually sold in one-gallon or three-gallon containers.EsperanzaIt was selected as the Texas Superstar winner as judged by many satisfied gardeners in San Antonio and throughout the state of Texas. This evergreen shrub produces yellow, bell-shaped flowers from spring to frost. It practically laughs at the heat of full sun in July and August. The stunning flowers are complemented by dark green, glossy foliage. Butterflies and hummingbirds enjoy ‘Yellowbells’ nectar.Esperanza blooms best in complete sun, but they also do completely in morning sun and afternoon shade. Grow them in large containers around the porch, patio or deck, or plant them in fertile, well-drained soil in a tropical-style garden. Amend heavy, poorly draining soil with the addition of 3 to 4 inches of organic matter and to a depth of 8 to 10 inches.During soil preparation, add 2 pounds of slow-release, 19-5-9 fertilizer per 100 square feet of planting area. Dig a planting hole two to three times larger than the root ball and plant the plant at the same depth as it is growing in the container.
Feed Esperanza container-grown plants with a water-soluble 20-20-20 or host agro-fertilizer every other week, or use controlled-release granules as recommended by the formula. Keep in mind that daily watering and higher temperatures usually mean more frequent fertilizing. Feed these plants in the landscape every four to six weeks with a light application of fertilizer.Remove the seed pods to maintain flower production, or savesome seeds for planting indoors next winter. They are also easy to propagate from cuttings, and small plants are easy to overwinter.Use the ‘Gold Star’ Esperanza around the pool to see the islands. Grow under tall banana trees or straight elephant ears. Combine with other hummingbird-attracting plants such as firebush or Mexican bird of paradise, or even the hardy perennial firecracker plant. Also try it in front of deep purple forms of Buddleia.
‘Yellowbells’ are often sold generically, but a variety named the Texas Superstar program, ‘Goldstar’ Esperanza, is spreading across the country. This represents good value for your dollar whether you want to store them over the winter or start next spring. Plant ‘Gold Star’ Esperanza…it’s a winner!
