Bell Bean Tree Plant Care

Bell Bean Tree (Markhamia zanzibarica) belongs to the Bignoniaceae family within the Markhamia genus. Bell Bean Tree is native to East Africa and Southern Africa, from Kenya to South Africa. Bell Bean Tree is also known as Golden Bell Bush, Zanzibar Bell.

Bell Bean Tree displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Bell Bean Tree produces showy clusters of yellow or pink trumpet-shaped flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bell Bean Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Bell Bean Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Markhamia zanzibarica tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Bell Bean Tree prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Bell Bean Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bell Bean Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bell Bean Tree is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Bell Bean Tree can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Bell Bean Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Bell Bean Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Bell Bean Tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to golden bell plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Bell Bean Tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Bell Bean Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Bell Bean Tree is native to East Africa and Southern Africa, from Kenya to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Bell Bean Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.