Tecoma ‘Lydia’ is a vibrant, low-maintenance flowering plant. This compact hybrid offers a continuous display of bright yellow blooms, making it a popular addition to various landscape designs. Its adaptable nature and striking appearance contribute to its broad appeal.
Discovering Tecoma ‘Lydia’
Tecoma ‘Lydia’ is a hybrid, resulting from a cross between Tecoma stans and Chilopsis linearis. This breeding effort has produced a more compact plant compared to older Tecoma varieties, typically growing as a shrub or small tree. It generally reaches 4 to 6 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide, making it suitable for smaller spaces.
The foliage is deep green with serrated edges, providing an attractive backdrop for its distinctive flowers. Its most striking feature is the abundance of trumpet-shaped, bright yellow flowers, each 1.5 to 2 inches. These blooms appear from early spring until the first frost, offering a long season of color and attracting pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies. Depending on the climate, ‘Lydia’ can be deciduous in colder winters or semi-evergreen in warmer, frost-free regions.
Ideal Growing Environment
Light Requirements
Tecoma ‘Lydia’ thrives in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and abundant flowering. Planting in a location that receives less than full sun can result in fewer flowers and less vigorous growth.
Soil Preferences
This plant adapts to various soil types but requires good drainage. Tecoma ‘Lydia’ performs best in well-draining soil, tolerating sandy, loam, or amended clay. A neutral to slightly alkaline pH (7.0-8.0) is ideal. Proper drainage helps prevent root rot.
Watering Needs
Once established, Tecoma ‘Lydia’ exhibits good drought tolerance. Young plants require regular watering during their first growing season to encourage a strong root system. After establishment, supplemental watering is typically only necessary during prolonged dry periods or extreme heat.
Temperature and Hardiness
Tecoma ‘Lydia’ is hardy in USDA Zones 8-11, tolerating temperatures down to 10°F-20°F. It tolerates heat and humidity well. In colder parts of its hardiness range, it is deciduous, and may benefit from protection or container growing to be moved indoors during winter.
Planting and Ongoing Care
How to Plant
When planting Tecoma ‘Lydia’, select a location with full sun and well-draining soil. Dig a planting hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball and about the same depth. Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil, then backfill with native soil, gently tamping to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots; for multiple plants, spacing them 3 to 4 feet apart allows for a continuous hedge, while 5 feet or more provides individual spacing.
Pruning Techniques
Tecoma ‘Lydia’ generally requires minimal pruning. Pruning is best done after the main bloom period or after the threat of frost. Removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches maintains plant health. Light shaping can help control its size and encourage more branching. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage continuous reblooming.
Fertilizing
Tecoma ‘Lydia’ has low fertilization requirements once established. In spring and summer, a light application of a balanced granular fertilizer (e.g., 8-10-10) can support bloom production. Container-grown plants may benefit from monthly or bi-monthly feeding, ceasing fertilization a couple of months before the first expected frost.
Managing Pests and Diseases
Tecoma ‘Lydia’ is generally resistant to most pests and diseases. Tecoma leaf-tier caterpillar may appear, identified by rolled or webbed leaves and skeletonized foliage. If damage is significant, biological insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are effective. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering help prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew.
Where to Plant Tecoma ‘Lydia’
The compact size and extended blooming season of Tecoma ‘Lydia’ make it versatile for various landscape applications, serving as an excellent specimen plant. Its drought tolerance once established makes it a suitable choice for xeriscapes or low-water gardens. Tecoma ‘Lydia’ can also be planted in groupings or mass plantings to create a vibrant border or hedge. Its appeal to hummingbirds and butterflies makes it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens. For those with limited garden space or in colder climates, it performs well in containers, allowing it to be moved indoors during winter.