Duranta erecta (Golden Dewdrop)

Native to Tropical America, Duranta erecta (Golden Dewdrop) is a fast-growing, usually thorny, evergreen shrub or small tree sporting shiny rich green leaves and loose clusters, 6 in. long (15 cm), of ravishing, vibrant violet-blue flowers, often edged in white. Blooming in summer to fall (throughout the year when hardy), the blossoms are borne on arching, sometimes droopy and vinelike branches. They give way to drooping clusters of golden berries, hence the common name Golden Dewdrop. Highly ornamental, they ripen in late summer to fall. While birds feast on them, these berries are poisonous to people and most animals. Duranta erecta is a spreading plant that tends to be semi-weeping, but it can be kept as a rounded shrub. Extremely easy to grow, Duranta erecta is widely grown as an ornamental in subtropical and tropical areas. It is also grown as an annual in cooler areas, in containers, or as a winter houseplant. A real knockout shrub.

• Grows up to 10-20 ft. tall (3-6 m) and 6-10 ft. wide (2-3 m) where hardy, 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm) as an annual.
• Performs best in full sun, in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade and a wide range of soils, including sandy soils.
• No serious insect or disease problems. Keep an eye out for whiteflies.
• Terrific for beds and borders, hedges, Mediterranean gardens, or containers.
• Since Duranta has an extremely fast growth habit, frequent pruning may be required to keep the plant compact.
• Propagate by seed or stem cuttings.
• Considered to be invasive in many Pacific Islands.
• Native to tropical America, from Florida to Brazil and in the West Indies.

Toxicity: Duranta erecta is highly toxic, particularly its fruits and leaves, which contain isoquinoline, saponin glycosides, and hydrocyanic acid. Ingestion can be fatal, especially to children, pets, and livestock. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and severe health complications. While it does not cause contact dermatitis, its toxicity requires careful handling and placement away from accessible areas. Poisonous flowers and plants: Identifying toxic risks around you