Duranta erecta (Golden Dewdrop)
Golden Dewdrop, Pigeon Berry, Sky Flower
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.
Buy Duranta erecta (Golden Dewdrop)
Requirements
Hardiness | 10
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 10
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 2' – 20' (60cm – 6m) |
Spread | 2' – 10' (60cm – 3m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Southeast, Florida |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Always_Sunshine, Sukanin18, Kijja P44, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 10
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 10
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 2' – 20' (60cm – 6m) |
Spread | 2' – 10' (60cm – 3m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Southeast, Florida |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |