The Duranta erecta plant, known by several common names including Golden Dewdrop, Pigeon Berry, and Skyflower, is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It is widely appreciated for its ornamental qualities, adding vibrant color and attractive forms to landscapes in tropical and subtropical regions. Its adaptability allows it to be cultivated as an annual or container plant in cooler climates. The appealing cascades of colorful flowers and berries contribute to its popularity.
Durant Plant Characteristics
Duranta erecta typically presents as a sprawling shrub or small tree, reaching heights of 10 to 20 feet and spreading 6 to 10 feet wide in suitable climates. In colder regions, where it is often grown as an annual, it usually stays smaller, around 2 to 4 feet tall. Mature plants often develop sharp thorns in their leaf axils.
The foliage consists of shiny, light green leaves, typically ovate in shape and arranged oppositely along the stems. These leaves usually measure between 1 to 3 inches long and have serrated margins. The plant’s showy flowers emerge in cascading clusters, known as racemes, often hanging gracefully from the branches. These tubular blossoms commonly display shades of light blue, violet, or purple, and sometimes white, blooming from summer into fall. Following the floral display, the plant produces distinctive clusters of small, round berries that ripen to a golden-yellow or orange hue, approximately 0.5 inches in diameter, giving the plant its “Golden Dewdrop” moniker.
Care and Cultivation
The Duranta plant thrives when provided with specific environmental conditions and consistent care. Understanding these requirements is essential for maintaining a healthy and visually appealing specimen.
Light Needs
For optimal flower and berry production, Duranta requires full sun exposure, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate partial shade, insufficient light often results in lanky growth and a noticeable reduction in blooms. Cultivars primarily grown for their foliage, such as those with variegated leaves, may perform best in partial shade.
Watering
Consistent moisture is important for Duranta, especially during its active growing season. The soil should be kept moist but never waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. Allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry out slightly between waterings is a good practice. Once established, the plant shows some drought tolerance, but regular watering, equivalent to about an inch of rain per week, supports its best performance.
Soil Requirements
Duranta adapts to a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but it performs best in fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential to prevent water accumulation around the roots. The ideal soil pH for Duranta ranges from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, typically between 5.6 and 7.5.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant flourishes in warm, hot, and humid conditions, making it suitable for tropical and subtropical climates, specifically USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11. It tolerates high temperatures, even triple-digit heat, without issues. When temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C), Duranta grown in containers should be moved indoors to protect them from cold damage. While it prefers humidity, the plant can adapt to lower humidity levels.
Fertilizing
Duranta plants are not considered heavy feeders, and in rich soil, they may not require additional fertilizer. However, if the soil is poor or rocky, applying an all-purpose granular fertilizer monthly during the growing season can promote healthy growth and blooming. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 N-P-K ratio, or a blooming formula, can be used every 4 to 6 weeks. Discontinue feeding during the winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Pruning and Shaping
Regular pruning is important for maintaining the desired shape and size of Duranta, especially given its fast growth rate. Pruning helps to keep the plant compact, encourages bushier growth, and promotes more prolific flowering as it blooms on new growth. Without regular trimming, Duranta can become lanky or overgrown.
The best time for significant pruning is typically in late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges. However, light shaping and removal of spent flowers can be done throughout the growing season. For hedges or specific forms like a small tree, strategic pruning of lateral branches is necessary. Hard pruning, which the plant tolerates well, can rejuvenate older or leggy specimens, though it may take a month or more for new blooms to appear after such an extensive trim.
Propagation Methods
Propagating Duranta is a straightforward process, primarily achieved through stem cuttings, offering an effective way to expand your collection or share with others. While seeds can be used, cuttings are generally preferred because many Duranta varieties are hybrids, and seeds may not produce plants identical to the parent. Collecting seeds from ripe berries in the fall is an option, but removing the fleshy pulp before pressing them into a moist potting mix is recommended. Germination can take one to two months at around 70°F (21°C).
For stem cuttings, take a 4 to 6-inch cutting from a healthy, woody stem, ideally during the summer. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting to expose nodes. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone powder can enhance success rates. Plant the prepared cutting into a pot filled with well-draining potting mix, ensuring the mix remains consistently moist until new growth indicates successful rooting. Once established and actively growing, the young plant can be transplanted to its permanent location or a larger container.
Common Issues and Important Considerations
Duranta plants are generally resilient, but they can encounter certain issues. It is important to be aware of their inherent characteristics.
Pests and Diseases
One of the most common pest problems affecting Duranta is whitefly infestation, which can weaken the plant and leave a sticky residue on leaves. Aphids and mealybugs may also be present. Fungal diseases like anthracnose can cause tan to reddish-brown lesions on leaves, leading to distortion and leaf drop. Managing these pests and diseases often involves removing affected parts and, if necessary, applying appropriate horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, or fungicides according to product instructions.
Toxicity
A crucial consideration for Duranta is its toxicity. All parts of the plant, especially the berries and leaves, contain toxic compounds such as isoquinoline, saponin glycosides, and hydrocyanic acid. Ingestion can be harmful or even fatal to humans and domestic animals, including dogs and cats, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy. Although birds can consume the berries without apparent ill effects, caution is advised, particularly in households with children or pets.
Invasive Potential
Beyond its toxicity, Duranta has been identified as an invasive species in some tropical and subtropical regions outside its native range, including parts of Australia, Hawaii, and various Pacific Islands. Its prolific berry production, dispersed by birds, contributes to its spread into natural ecosystems, where it can outcompete native vegetation. Gardeners in warm climates should research local regulations and consider the plant’s invasive potential before planting it in the ground. Growing it in containers can help mitigate its spread in areas where it is not native.