Native range: Southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, western Texas, Florida, Mexico, Central and South America, 2000-5000 feet, typically on rocky slopes and gravelly plains and along arroyos

Wildlife value: Flowers attract hummingbirds and large bees The Spanish name lluvia de oro, rain of gold, says it all about this showy shrub with its cascading clusters of brilliant yellow flowers. Another apt Spanish name is trompetilla, referring to the shape of the flowers which resemble little trumpets, ideally formed to attract passing hummingbirds. The 2” long corollas are very wide mouthed, however, and instead of feeding front first as they do at other more slender tubular flowers, hummers are more likely to pierce the bases of the blooms in order to garner the nectar. Bumblebees (Bombus species) buzz in head first and are important pollinators. Carpenter bees (Xylocopa species) are also frequent visitors. In addition to the handsome flowers which bloom continuously from late spring into fall, yellow bells sport lush-looking bright green leaves, making it a popular ornamental. Plants suffer cold damage at about 28 degrees and can freeze to the ground when temps reach the low 20s. Plants recover quickly, however, and new growth looks better and produces more flowers. In the absence of a freeze, cut plants to the ground in late winter to stimulate new foliage and blossoms. Plants can grow 4–5 feet high and 3–4 feet wide in one season! 

Size: 10 ft tall x 8 ft wide

Flowering duration: May-October

Min temp: 0 °F

Sun/shade preference: Full sun to partial shade