It is recommended to prune Esperanza (also known as Tecoma stans or Yellow Bells) to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning can be done at any time of the year, but it is best to avoid extreme weather conditions, such as freezing temperatures or intense heat, which can stress the plant.
To begin pruning Esperanza, you can start by removing any dead or damaged branches. This is important as it helps to improve the overall appearance of the plant and prevents the spread of diseases. Use sharp and clean pruning shears to make clean cuts, ensuring that you cut just above a leaf node or a lateral branch junction.
If you wish to train Esperanza to grow as a tree rather than a shrub, you can selectively remove all but one of the stems coming out of the ground. Choose the strongest and healthiest stem to keep as the main trunk. As this stem grows taller, continue to remove any side branches that develop below your desired trunk height. By doing so, you encourage the plant to form a more tree-like structure.
Regular pruning can also help to rejuvenate an overgrown or leggy Esperanza. In this case, you can cut back the entire plant to about 6-8 inches above the ground. This drastic pruning can be done in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. Although the plant may initially look bare, it will quickly sprout new shoots and foliage.
It is important to note that Esperanza is not intended for human or animal consumption. While it is a beautiful and ornamental plant, its seeds and other parts can be toxic if ingested.
When pruning Esperanza, it is always a good idea to wear gloves to protect your hands from thorns, if present. Additionally, cleaning your pruning tools with a disinfectant before and after use helps prevent the transmission of diseases between plants.
Pruning Esperanza is necessary to maintain its shape, promote healthy growth, and control its size. Whether you want to maintain it as a shrub or train it to grow as a tree, regular pruning can help achieve your desired form. Just remember to avoid extreme weather conditions and be cautious as some parts of the plant can be toxic.
