Chicklet® Orange Trumpet Bush

Think of Chicklet® Orange Trumpet Bush (Tecoma 'SMNTCIF') as all the drama of a trumpet vine packed into a well-behaved, compact shrub. This Proven Winners® selection solves the age-old problem gardeners face: how to get those stunning orange trumpet flowers that hummingbirds adore without dealing with an aggressive vine taking over your fence, arbor, or neighbor's yard.

From late spring through the first frost, Chicklet® Orange produces clusters of rich orange, trumpet-shaped blooms that seem to glow in the sunlight. Each flower measures about two inches long and releases a light, pleasant fragrance that's most noticeable on warm afternoons. Unlike its vining cousins, this shrub maintains a tidy 3-6 foot height with a naturally mounding form that needs little to no pruning to look its best.

A Hummingbird and Butterfly Destination

The tubular flowers are perfectly designed for hummingbirds, who visit repeatedly throughout the day during peak bloom. Butterflies, particularly swallowtails, also frequent the flowers for nectar. This makes Chicklet® Orange an excellent choice if you're creating a wildlife garden or simply want to enjoy more activity and movement in your landscape. Meanwhile, deer consistently ignore this plant, even when other garden favorites are being browsed.

Versatile Planting Options

In zones 8-11, Chicklet® Orange functions as a reliable landscape shrub that stays evergreen in the warmest areas and semi-deciduous where winters are cooler. Plant it in mixed borders, use it as a colorful hedge, or feature it as a specimen plant where its long bloom season makes a statement. The naturally compact habit means it won't outgrow its space or require constant cutting back.

Northern gardeners in zones 7 and colder can grow Chicklet® Orange as a spectacular container plant. Move pots to a protected location before hard frost, or treat it as an annual and enjoy the months of color it provides on decks, patios, and entryways. The combination of heat tolerance, drought resistance, and non-stop flowering makes this an ideal choice for containers where many flowering shrubs struggle.

Tough Enough for Tough Spots

Once established, this trumpet bush handles heat, drought, and even reflected heat from pavement or south-facing walls without missing a beat. It's an excellent candidate for xeriscaping or water-wise landscapes, particularly in regions where water conservation is important. The flowers actually perform better when the soil dries out between waterings rather than staying consistently moist.

Why Chicklet® Orange Stands Out

Unlike the standard yellow-flowered trumpet bush species, this hybrid selection offers vibrant orange blooms on a more manageable plant. The Proven Winners® ColorChoice® breeding program selected this variety specifically for its compact size, superior flowering, and garden-worthy performance. Where older trumpet bush varieties might grow rangy or need frequent pruning, Chicklet® Orange maintains its shape naturally and blooms reliably without fussy care requirements.

The name "Chicklet" refers to the compact, nugget-like growth habit, and once you see this plant in full bloom with dozens of trumpet flowers clustered at the branch tips, you'll understand why it's become such a popular choice for gardeners seeking big impact from a small-space plant.