Chicklet® Red Trumpet Bush

Tecoma 'Chicklet Red'

Proven Winners®

Hardy in zones 8-11 with exceptional heat and drought tolerance once established, making it ideal for hot, sunny southern and southwestern gardens
Vivid red trumpet-shaped blooms appear continuously from early summer through the first frost, requiring no deadheading to keep flowering
Compact 3-4 ft habit fits neatly into borders, foundation plantings, and large patio containers, delivering tropical flair without the invasive sprawl of traditional trumpet vines
Irresistible to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, and completely ignored by deer

$26¹⁴

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Chicklet® Red needs a minimum of six hours of direct sun daily, and honestly performs best with eight or more. In partial shade, flowering slows considerably and stems become stretched and floppy. Full sun also intensifies the red flower color, which can fade in low-light conditions.

Soil: Plant in well-drained soil of almost any type, including sandy or rocky ground. Heavy clay is the one condition to avoid or amend heavily, as sitting moisture around the roots can cause rot. If drainage is poor, raise the planting area or mix in coarse grit before planting.

Watering Requirements

Water newly planted shrubs deeply two to three times per week for the first four to six weeks while roots establish. Once the plant is settled in, cut back to watering only during dry stretches, as Chicklet® Red handles drought well and actually performs best when the soil cycles between moist and dry rather than staying consistently wet. Overwatering is the most common mistake with this shrub and leads to yellowing foliage and root problems.

Pruning Tips

Chicklet® Red blooms on new wood, so any pruning you do should happen in early spring after the plant begins to leaf out. At that point, you can cut it back by up to one-third to shape the plant and encourage a flush of vigorous new growth. No deadheading is required for continuous blooming throughout the season, which keeps maintenance minimal.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release shrub fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. A formula like 10-10-10 or a product specifically labeled for flowering shrubs works well. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which push leafy green growth at the expense of flowers. One spring application is typically all this plant needs for the season.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Heat Tolerant, Flowering, Attracts Hummingbirds, Low Maintenance, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Attracts pollinators
Hardiness Zone	10b, 11a, 11b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	3-4 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Upright
Blooms In	Summer, Fall
Flower Color	Red
Foliage Color	Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors, Container
Botanical Name	Tecoma 'SMNTCD'
Cultivar	SMNTCD
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water my newly planted Chicklet® Red Trumpet Bush?

Water newly planted Chicklet Red regularly during the first growing season to help establish its root system. Once established, this drought-tolerant shrub needs less frequent watering and thrives in hot, sunny conditions. Reduce watering frequency gradually as the plant matures.

How fast does the Chicklet® Red Trumpet Bush grow each year?

Chicklet Red Trumpet Bush grows at a moderate pace, reaching its mature size of 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide within 2-3 growing seasons. In zones 8-11, it grows as an evergreen perennial, while colder zones can enjoy it as a fast-growing annual. Shop at Nature Hills for this compact heat-lover.

Is the Chicklet® Red Trumpet Bush deer resistant?

The Chicklet Red Trumpet Bush is not specifically noted as deer resistant. While deer typically avoid plants with strong scents or toxic compounds, this tropical shrub's appeal to hummingbirds suggests it may be browsed. In deer-heavy areas, consider container growing or protective fencing.

Will this plant survive shipping during winter months?

Chicklet Red Trumpet Bush ships well during winter months when properly packaged. As a Zone 8-11 shrub, it's hardy enough to handle shipping stress in cold weather. Shop at Nature Hills for professional packaging that protects plants during transit.

Chicklet® Red Trumpet Bush

Tecoma 'Chicklet Red'