Pigeon berry (Duranta erecta 'Gold Edge')

Overview

The Duranta erecta ‘Gold Edge’, commonly known as Pigeon berry, is a visually impactful plant valued for its highly ornamental foliage. This cultivar features serrated leaves edged in irregular chartreuse-yellow margins, beautifully contrasting with its lavender-blue summer flowers, making it a standout selection in warm climates. While capable of reaching tree size in its native range, gardeners often utilize Duranta erecta ‘Gold Edge’ as a vibrant annual or container specimen in cooler regions. Its combination of attractive variegated leaves and seasonal color provides excellent texture and brightness throughout the growing season.

This broadleaf evergreen thrives when exposed to full sun, which encourages the best variegation and flowering display. Mature plants establish themselves as medium-sized shrubs or small trees, typically reaching 10 to 12 feet tall and wide when happily situated in their optimal zones. Though medium in maintenance, the reward is a fast-growing specimen perfect for structured hedges or focal points where its vibrant margins can be fully appreciated.

Whether planted as a permanent shrub in Zone 10 or above, or brought inside for overwintering as a houseplant in the north, the Pigeon berry offers flexibility. Its upright to gently arching branches create an appealing form, complementing the brief, showy flowers and subsequent display of orange, berry-like fruit.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Verbenaceae
• Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 10-12 ft
  • Spread: 10-12 ft
• Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
• Bloom Description: Lavender-blue
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

For best establishment, plant Duranta erecta ‘Gold Edge’ during the warmer months after the danger of frost has passed, ideally in spring or early summer. This plant prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils but displays tolerance for a wide range of soil types. While it performs best in full sun—which maximizes the bright variegation of the foliage—it can tolerate light shade, though flowering may be reduced.

Water needs are categorized as medium; ensure consistent moisture, especially when establishing new plants or when growing the Pigeon berry in containers. Once mature and settled into the ground in its hardiness range, it can handle some drier periods, though prolonged drought should be avoided. Fertilize lightly during the growing season to support lush leaf production.

Pruning allows control over its size and shape. Heavy pruning can be done in early spring to shape the shrub or train it as a small tree, encouraging dense growth ideal for hedges. In areas colder than Zone 10, container plants must be managed carefully; bring them inside before the first fall frost and overwinter them in a bright, sunny room, reducing water during dormancy.

Landscape Uses

The versatile nature of Duranta erecta ‘Gold Edge’ makes it suitable for several design roles. In warm climates (USDA Zones 10-11), it excels when used for formal hedging where its height and columnar habit can create defined borders. Alternatively, individuals can train the Pigeon berry structure as a small, attractive, upright tree specimen, displaying its weeping flower racemes.

For gardeners in cooler zones, its primary suggested use shifts. It is excellent grown as a fast-growing annual shrub to provide immediate color and strong architectural interest, or planted in large containers where it can be moved indoors before winter. The striking gold-margined foliage ensures that even without flowers, the plant remains a lively element.

Its medium size and bright coloration allow it to contrast beautifully against darker green foundational plants or dark mulch beds. Consider placing it near windows or entryways where the variegated foliage of Duranta erecta ‘Gold Edge’ can be admired up close.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Fruit Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Duranta erecta, commonly called golden dewdrop, pigeon berry or sky flower, is native from Florida to Brazil and in the West Indies. It is a spreading, sometimes weeping, evergreen shrub or small tree that grows to 15-18’ tall in its native habitat. In St. Louis it is typically grown as a 2-4’ tall annual shrub or in containers that must be overwintered indoors. Features drooping axillary and terminal racemes of light blue to violet flowers which bloom summer to fall, followed by orange, berry-like drupes. The specific ‘Gold Edge’ selection is noted for its serrated foliage, which is green with irregular chartreuse-yellow margins, complementing its loose clusters of lavender-blue flowers.

Tolerances

• No serious insect or disease problems.

Potential Problems

While generally robust, gardeners should remain vigilant for common tropical pests. The most noted potential problem involves monitoring for whiteflies, especially on stressed or overcrowded plants. Regular inspection, particularly of the undersides of the leaves, coupled with prompt treatment if infestations start, will keep the Pigeon berry healthy and vibrant. Good air circulation is key to minimizing many common pest issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Duranta erecta ‘Gold Edge’ suitable for?

Duranta erecta ‘Gold Edge’ is typically hardy and reliably evergreen in USDA Zones 9 through 11. Gardeners outside this range should treat it as an annual or overwinter potted specimens indoors.

How large does Pigeon berry grow?

When situated in ideal zones, this plant matures to a height and spread of 10 to 12 feet, though it is often managed as a smaller annual shrub or container plant further north.

What sun exposure does Duranta erecta ‘Gold Edge’ need?

For the most vibrant leaf variegation and best seasonal blooming, Duranta erecta ‘Gold Edge’ requires full sun exposure. It tolerates light shade but will not perform as strongly visually.

When does Pigeon berry bloom?

The Pigeon berry is a seasonal bloomer, typically displaying its attractive lavender-blue flowers throughout the summer and extending into the fall.

Conclusion

The Duranta erecta ‘Gold Edge’ offers superb textural contrast through its bright, variegated foliage and presents soft washes of lavender-blue blooms. This plant provides excellent function as a hedge or specimen in warmer latitudes and adds instant tropical flair when grown in containers elsewhere. Ensure you check your local zone compatibility before planting Duranta erecta ‘Gold Edge’ outdoors permanently.

Companion Planting

When designing beds featuring the highly variegated Pigeon berry, opt for deep green or burgundy foliage companions to maximize the visual pop of the chartreuse margins. Plants with dark green, solid leaves, such as many varieties of Hostas (if grown partially shaded) or dark-leafed Cannas, create a stunning backdrop for the Duranta erecta ‘Gold Edge’. Consider pairing it with purple-flowering annuals that bloom simultaneously, like purple petunias or calibrachoa, to echo the lavender tones of the Duranta flowers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

For those growing Duranta erecta ‘Gold Edge’ as a permanent shrub, begin the year with a light application of balanced fertilizer just as spring growth begins. Monitor moisture levels carefully from late spring through summer, providing medium water consistently, especially during dry spells, to keep the leaves hydrated and prevent leaf scorch. In the fall, if growing in marginal zones, prepare containers for bringing indoors before the first hard frost, clearing away any dead annual material in the garden beds.