Tecoma ‘Orange Jubilee’: A Burst of Color for Your Desert Garden

As a licensed landscape architect and lifelong gardener in San Tan Valley, Arizona, I’ve dedicated my career at Franciscan Landscape LLC to crafting sustainable, vibrant landscapes that thrive in our arid climate. One plant that consistently stands out for its bold beauty and low-maintenance charm is Tecoma stans ‘Orange Jubilee’. This stunning shrub, with its clusters of bright orange tubular flowers, is a desert southwest favorite, perfect for homeowners seeking to elevate their yards with color and resilience. Here’s why ‘Orange Jubilee’ is a top pick for San Tan Valley gardens and how to grow it successfully.

Why Choose Tecoma ‘Orange Jubilee’?

‘Orange Jubilee’ is a powerhouse in desert landscapes, delivering a long blooming season from spring through fall. Its vivid orange flowers create a cheerful, tropical feel, even in the intense heat of Arizona summers. Having grown this plant in my own San Tan Valley garden, I’ve seen it attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, making it a pollinator-friendly choice that supports our local ecosystem. Its lush green foliage adds structure, while its drought tolerance and minimal care needs make it ideal for busy homeowners.

At Franciscan Landscape, we recommend ‘Orange Jubilee’ for clients in San Tan Valley (zip codes 85140, 85142, and 85143) who want a low-water, high-impact plant. Whether you’re aiming for a xeriscape design or a vibrant backyard oasis, this shrub delivers year-round value with its adaptability and eye-catching blooms.

Cultural Requirements for Success

To ensure ‘Orange Jubilee’ thrives in the desert southwest, follow these care tips based on my years of experience:

Sunlight: This plant craves full sun, needing at least 6–8 hours daily to produce its best blooms. In San Tan Valley, I’ve found it excels in open areas or near south-facing walls, where it handles reflected heat like a champ.
Soil: Well-draining soil is essential. Our local clay-heavy soils can be amended with sand or gravel to improve drainage. Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and mix in organic matter for a healthy start.
Watering: While drought-tolerant once established, young plants benefit from deep watering once or twice a week during their first summer. After the first year, water every 10–14 days in summer, reducing in cooler months. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Temperature: ‘Orange Jubilee’ is heat-tolerant but may drop leaves or die back in freezes below 25°F. In San Tan Valley, it typically bounces back in spring. Protect young plants with frost cloth during rare cold snaps.

Propagation Tips

Expanding your garden or sharing ‘Orange Jubilee’ with neighbors is easy with these propagation methods, tested in my own San Tan Valley plots:

From Seed: Collect seed pods in late summer or fall when they turn brown. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften the coat, then plant in a well-draining mix. Keep warm (70–80°F) and expect germination in 2–3 weeks. I’ve had success starting seeds in early spring for summer planting.
From Cuttings: Take 6–8-inch softwood cuttings in spring or early summer, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in a sandy mix. Keep moist and in partial shade until roots form, typically in 4–6 weeks.

Design and Companion Planting

‘Orange Jubilee’ grows 6–12 feet tall and wide, making it a versatile addition to desert landscapes. Its upright form works as a focal point, hedge, or backdrop in xeriscape or mid-century modern designs. In my San Tan Valley projects, I pair it with plants that enhance its vibrant color and ecological benefits:

Red Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima): Its fiery orange-red blooms complement ‘Orange Jubilee’ for a bold, warm-toned display.
Mexicali Rose (Calliandra ‘Mexicali Rose’): This low-growing shrub adds vibrant pinkish-red blooms and attracts pollinators, creating a layered, dynamic effect.
Blue Bells (Eremophila ‘Blue Bells’): A compact, silvery-foliaged plant with striking blue-purple flowers that contrast beautifully with ‘Orange Jubilee’, adding visual depth.

For a cohesive look, group these plants with rock mulch or gravel to conserve water and evoke the desert aesthetic. At Franciscan Landscape, we’ve used ‘Orange Jubilee’ in San Tan Valley yards to create low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly gardens that homeowners rave about.

Challenges and Solutions

While ‘Orange Jubilee’ is a tough plant, it can face a few challenges in our desert climate. Here’s how to address them, based on my experience:

Pests: Aphids, whiteflies, or caterpillars may occasionally attack, especially in spring. Caterpillars can chew leaves, but hand-picking them or using a natural solution like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) controls infestations effectively. For aphids and whiteflies, a strong water spray or insecticidal soap keeps them in check without harsh chemicals, aligning with our eco-friendly approach at Franciscan Landscape.
Winter Dieback: In colder pockets of San Tan Valley, the plant may lose leaves or stems during freezes. Prune back dead growth in early spring to encourage new shoots.
Overwatering: Heavy clay soils can cause water to pool. Ensure proper drainage and water sparingly once established to avoid root issues.

Why It’s a Desert Southwest Favorite

‘Orange Jubilee’ is more than a pretty plant—it’s a practical choice for sustainable desert gardening. Its long blooms, low water needs, and pollinator appeal make it a standout for San Tan Valley landscapes. As someone who started gardening at age 11 and now leads Franciscan Landscape LLC, I’ve seen this shrub transform yards into vibrant, eco-conscious spaces that thrive in our harsh climate.

Ready to Transform Your Desert Landscape?

Bring the bold beauty of ‘Orange Jubilee’ and other desert-adapted plants to your San Tan Valley yard with Franciscan Landscape LLC. Whether you need help with planting, maintenance, or a custom landscape design, our team is here to create a sustainable, stunning outdoor space tailored to your needs. As a licensed landscape architect, I’m committed to helping you achieve a low-maintenance, eco-friendly garden that shines in our desert climate.

Get started today! Request a free estimate or schedule a consultation by calling us at (480) 382-8832 or visiting Franciscan Landscape LLC. Let’s grow your dream desert landscape together!