Full scorching summer sun (esperanza won’t bloom as well in shade). Few flowering shrubs can outperform esperanza; clusters of yellow, orange, or red trumpet flowers barrel all the way through the summer with or without rain or drought. If winters stay warm enough for a few years, esperanza can grow into a very large shrub or small tree; however, hard freezes usually kill it back down to the roots. Most varieties drop leaves in freezing weather anyway. Trim back as needed to preserve its form; it can be cut back as needed after a cold winter. (Gold Star is a highly recommended cold-tolerant and early-blooming variety.) Like bougainvillea esperanza provides a drought-proof tropical effect. Removing the seed pods can prolong blooming.