Duranta erecta

Description: Duranta erecta. 5" - 10" inches tall. The Duranta plant, also widely known as golden dewdrops, is a tropical broadleaf evergreen that is often grown as an annual outdoor shrub or potted houseplant outside its zone 10—11 hardiness range. A member of the verbena family, the duranta plant typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall in regions where it dies back in the winter, but it can achieve heights of 15 feet or more in warm-winter environments. Duranta plant has attractive evergreen foliage with rounded or oval leaves about 2 inches long; some varieties have gold or variegated leaves. It delivers scores of pale blue, white, or violet blossom clusters for the entire growing season. A bonus is the appearance of drooping clusters of yellow or orange berries in the fall. Normally planted in the spring, a duranta plant quickly becomes a small flowering shrub in its first season, and in warm climates, it can grow to a small tree size within a few years. Although this plant is not included on many toxic plant lists, several academic sources confirm that the berries and leaves are seriously toxic to humans and to pets. Birds, however, eagerly eat the berries with no ill effects.Duranta Care: The Duranta plant prefers a full sun location and moist but well-drained soil, but it will tolerate some shade, albeit with reduced flowering and a lankier growth habit. In cold-winter zones, it is very easy to grow as an annual, since the plant will die back to the ground each winter. In warm-winter zones where it grows as a perennial, some additional care is needed—especially some annual pruning to keep the plant tidy and well-shaped. Duranta plant often thrives with no feeding whatsoever, and its water needs are similar to most other landscape plants. It thrives in warm weather; in cold winter zones, it must be brought indoors to survive the cold months. Carefully consider the placement of duranta. This fast-growing plant with a semi-weeping habit can quickly take over a garden path or walkway. Plus, some varieties have small thorns, causing a surprise. Also, duranta can be invasive in tropical areas. Check with your local extension agent before planting. Light: Duranta plants need full sun to get the energy they need to make blooms and berries. Plants growing in too much shade often get lanky and sparse. Soil: When growing duranta plants as annuals, provide rich, loamy soil to help the plants reach their potential in one growing season. Within their hardiness zone (10—11), duranta plants can tolerate lean soil, as long as they have good drainage. Water: Duranta plants require a moderate amount of water, especially before they become established. Plants growing outdoors need the equivalent of about an inch of rain per week. When growing in containers, water your duranta when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Temperature and Humidity: The duranta likes it hot, and even triple-digit temperatures won't slow it down. If you are growing the plant in a container, bring it indoors when temperatures dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Duranta plants do well in both dry and humid conditions. They also tolerate the salty air of beach climates. Fertilizer: Duranta plants are not heavy feeders and can get by without any supplemental fertilizer in rich soil. In lean or rocky soils, you can use an all-purpose general fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Pruning: In regions where it is winter hardy, it's important to prune the duranta plant to keep it in bounds. Without pruning, a duranta plant can take over paths and structures, as well as choke out neighboring plants. Because duranta plants form flowers on new growth, you can cut them back severely in the winter in preparation for the burst of growth that occurs in the spring. Potting and Repotting Duranta: Duranta plants adapt quite easily to container culture and, in fact, can be tidier specimens when given the boundaries of a pot. Choose a large, 16-inch pot for this rapidly growing plant, and make sure the pot has good drainage. Pot your duranta plant using any quality bagged potting soil mix. If your plant is failing to thrive and you notice a plethora of roots coming out of the soil, the plant likely needs to go up a pot size. Take great care when repotting the duranta, as larger specimens will grow sharp spines that can reach an inch long and pierce garden gloves and skin with ease. Younger plants have few or no spines. How to Get Duranta to Bloom: Bloom problems are rare with duranta plants, but if problems do occur, make sure the plant is getting enough sun and water, and make sure it's getting a monthly feeding with a slow-release balanced fertilizer.Toxicity:Leaves and berries are toxic to humans and petsBotanical Name: Duranta erectaCommon Name: Duranta plant, duranta, golden dewdrops, sky flower, pigeon berryPlant Type: Tropical broadleaf evergreen shrubBloom Time: Spring through frostFlower Color: Blue, violet, whiteSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Rich loam; tolerates rocky soilNative Area: Central and South AmericaSoil pH: Acidic to slightly alkaline (5.6—7.5)Bloom Time: Spring through frostHardiness Zones: 10—11 (USDA)Mature Size: 2-4 ft. tall, 1-2 feet wide (when grown as an annual); up to 18 feet tall as a perennial in warm-winter zones. Check out our other plants here: https://olivetreegardens.etsy.com 1 Duranta erecta rooted cuttings live plant will be shipped without a pot and with some soil. We do not accept returns after live cuttings, seeds or plants have been shipped. We do not accept returns on live plants, seeds or cuttings. We do not ship orders on Wednesdays. During Postal holidays, shipping times may take longer. Please contact us within 24 hours of USPS delivery tracking confirmation, if there is a problem with the arrival of your plant. Please take pictures of the plant and packaging upon arrival. We will not be responsible for plants left in mailboxes, mailrooms or at the door unattended and neglected after USPS delivery tracking information has been confirmed.

Price: 10.99 USD

Location: San Bernardino, California

End Time: 2023-12-21T19:07:08.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD