Those of us who hunt nurseries for interesting plants, occasionally come across something new to us that is lovely. I recently found a beautiful plant with bright orange tubular flowers and a most unusual name. “Oompa Loompa” is a hybridized cultivar of Tecoma stans to which the botanical name Tecoma x smithii is sometimes assigned. William Watson of London first described this hybrid in 1893. It has taken more than 100 years of cultivation, to select qualities that are into this cultivar that now has a funny name.
Of course, fans of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory may remember the Oompa Loompas as natives of Loompaland. They were short, had orange complexion and green hair. That description could also apply to Tecoma stans “Oompa Loompa.” It is a dwarf shrub, with orange blossoms and green leaves. It is, however, far more attractive than the Chocolate Factory dwarfs.
Further research led me to a litany of common names for this species. Native to South America, the plant is known in Texas as “Esperanza.” In other warm parts of the U.S. where it grows, it is known as “Orange Jubilee” and “Orange Bells.’” Frankly, I prefer the “Oompa Loompa” name.
Tecoma is a genus of 14 species of shrubs or small trees in the trumpet vine or Bignoniaceae family. The generic name is derived from the Aztec word tecomaxochitl, which was applied by indigenous people of Mexico to plants with tubular flowers.
“Oompa Loompa” is likely a hybrid created from her cousin, the original Tecoma stans. It has a yellow trumpet-shaped flower and is known as “Yellow Bells.” The yellow variety is well known and currently more widely available. It is celebrated as the official flower for the U.S. Virgin Islands and is the floral emblem of the Bahamas. “Yellow Bells” as well as the “Oompa Loompa” and a recent red-flowered hybrid are all members of the trumpet vine family. All are attractive shrubs with similar characteristics, though with different colored flowers.
“Oompa Loompa” has many appealing qualities in addition to the clusters of bright orange flowers that grow on racemes at the end of branches, nearly year round. The individual blossoms are more than an inch across when opened and about two inches long. The clusters often have many flowers that weight the branches down a bit into a weeping habit. The glossy green leaves of this plant are pinnately compound with serrated margins.
The orange flowers are not only attractive to us. Butterflies, hummingbirds and bees often visit “Oompa Loompa” for the flower’s nectar and serve as pollinators. The pollinated flowers leave five-inch seed pods behind. They are slim, light brown and bean-like in appearance and full of seeds. Each seed is encased in a clear film that allows it to catch the wind and spread easily. To avoid self-seeding, it is best to remove and dispose of the pods when they appear.
Cuttings are another a good way to propagate “Oompa Loompa.” A 4- to 6-inch piece of softwood stem can be dipped in a rooting hormone and placed in a 50/50 moist mix of vermiculite and perlite for a few months until it puts our new leaves and develops good roots. The new plant will do well in a sunny spot that has soil that drains well.
“Oompa Loompa” is a dwarf hybrid and usually grows to less than 6 feet tall. It has a horizontal growth habit and can spread to about 4 feet. It is useful as part of a small hedge, does well as a container plant and makes an attractive specimen wherever it grows. Once established “Oompa Loompa” can thrive in full, hot sun and is somewhat drought tolerant.
Maintaining “Oompa Loompa” is fairly easy. The plants grow quickly and may require occasional pruning to maintain a desired size and shape. They have low water requirements and only need occasional light fertilizing a few times a year.
Typically, few pests or diseases attack this plant. It is subject to root rot, however, if planted in soil that does not drain well. Check it frequently for symptoms of this disease or any occasional insect attacks.
However you choose to grow “Oompa Loompa,” I’m sure it will add beauty and charm to your garden as well as delight to those who ask for her name.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant living part time in Kailua-Kona.
Gardening Events
Every Saturday: “Work Day at Amy Greenwell Garden” from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Garden Visitor Center across from the Manago Hotel in Captain Cook. Come with a mask and be prepared to practice social distancing. Volunteers can help with garden maintenance and are invited to bring a brown bag lunch. Water and snacks provided. Call Peter at 323-3318 for more information.
Farmer Direct Markets (check websites for the latest hours and online markets)
Wednesday: “Ho‘oulu Farmers Market” at Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay
Saturday: “Keauhou Farmers Market” 8 a.m. to noon at Keauhou Shopping Center
Information on their online market at keauhoufarmersmarket.com/onlinemarket
“Kamuela Farmer’s Market” 7:30 a.m. to noon at Pukalani Stables
“Waimea Town Market” 7:30 a.m. to noon at the Parker School in central Waimea
“Waimea Homestead Farmers Market” from 7:30 a.m. to noon at the Waimea middle and elementary school playground
Sunday: “Pure Kona Green Market” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook
“Hamakua Harvest” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Highway 19 and Mamane Street in Honoka‘a
Plant Advice Lines
Anytime: konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES in Kainaliu at (808) 322-4893.
