Golden dewdrops (Duranta erecta)

Overview

The Golden dewdrops, scientifically known as Duranta erecta, is a highly valued ornamental plant recognized for its year-round visual interest, transitioning beautifully from bloom to fruit. This spreading, sometimes weeping shrub offers drooping racemes of delicate blue or violet flowers followed by eye-catching clusters of yellow-orange drupes that lend the plant its common name. While native areas allow Duranta erecta to reach tree heights, gardeners in cooler zones appreciate its manageable stature as an annual shrub or container specimen.

This broadleaf evergreen thrives when given plenty of light, ensuring the most prolific flowering and robust growth structure. Its adaptability allows it to tolerate a wide variety of soil conditions, provided drainage is adequate. Whether used to anchor a colorful summer border or displayed prominently on a patio, the Golden dewdrops provides consistent texture and color throughout the growing season.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Verbenaceae
• Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
• Native Range: Central and northern South America, Caribbean, Florida, Mexico
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 2-4 ft
  • Spread: 1-2 ft
• Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
• Bloom Description: Light blue, violet or white
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Planting the Golden dewdrops should occur after the danger of frost has passed in locations where it will be grown as an annual out of Zones 10-11. Aim for a site receiving full sun, as this maximizes both flower production and overall vigor, although it tolerates light shade. The species is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but success is best achieved in locations with moist, fertile, and well-drained conditions.

Established plants need a steady, medium supply of water to maintain healthy foliage, especially during hot spells. Fertilization should be consistent during the active growing season to support the continuous blooming cycle. If growing Duranta erecta as a container plant or annual shrub, regular light feeding is beneficial. Due to the potential presence of sharp axillary thorns on mature individuals, handle pruning carefully.

For gardeners outside the minimum hardiness zone, the primary consideration is overwintering. Plants grown in containers must be moved indoors before the first fall frost, placing them in a bright, sunny room until spring returns. This specific need for protection often relegates the stunning Duranta erecta to seasonal display duties in colder climates.

Landscape Uses

In warm climates (Zones 10-11), Duranta erecta excels as an informal hedge, a structural border plant, or even trained into a small, upright tree specimen. Its seasonal color and attractive fruits make it an excellent focal point when lawn specimen planting is desired. When used as an annual shrub in cooler regions, it provides instant structure and late-season appeal in mixed perennial beds or large container arrangements where it can be easily moved indoors later.

The bright, ephemeral flowers of the Golden dewdrops pair well with heat-loving alternatives such as Lantana or various tropical grasses, creating vibrant, full-season displays. Because they are often grown close to patios or walkways, consider training them carefully to manage stem density and mitigate any thorny issues. Utilize the yellow-orange fruit clusters as a striking contrast against deep green foliage in late summer plantings.

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. Features drooping axillary and terminal racemes of light blue to violet flowers which bloom summer to fall, giving way to drooping clusters of yellow-orange drupes later in the season. Sharp axillary thorns are usually present on stems of mature plants, though often absent on younger specimens.

Tolerances

• No serious insect or disease problems.

Potential Problems

The primary pest concern for Duranta erecta in warm, humid conditions involves persistent sap-sucking insects. Gardeners should remain vigilant for whiteflies, which can rapidly proliferate, coating the undersides of leaves, especially on pampered container specimens. Early detection and consistent treatment, often involving horticultural oil or insecticidal soap applied thoroughly to all surfaces, are the most effective management strategies for keeping this plant healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Golden dewdrops suitable for?

Duranta erecta is reliably winter hardy only in USDA Zones 10 through 11. Outside of these zones, it must be treated as a seasonal annual or brought indoors for overwintering.

How large does Golden dewdrops grow?

In its native range, it can reach 15–18 feet tall, but when grown as a desirable, manageable shrub in cultivation, expect the height to be between 2 and 4 feet tall with a spread of 1 to 2 feet.

When does Golden dewdrops bloom?

This plant is a seasonal bloomer, typically producing its light blue, violet, or white flowers throughout the summer and into the fall, providing long-lasting interest.

What sun exposure does Golden dewdrops need?

For the best flowering display from your Duranta erecta, full sun exposure is strongly recommended, although it can tolerate slight shade.

Conclusion

The Duranta erecta, beloved as Golden dewdrops, offers exceptional ornamental value through its vibrant, contrasting seasonal elements, ranging from summer blooms to autumn fruit. Its moderate maintenance requirements and general hardiness in subtropical settings make it a fine addition to many landscapes. Before planting, always confirm that your local hardiness zone aligns with USDA 10-11, or plan for its necessary seasonal relocation indoors.

Companion Planting

When situating Golden dewdrops in a border or container garden, select companions that thrive under similar conditions: full sun and medium water. Plants that enjoy heat and possess a more upright form, such as tall Zinnias or ornamental grasses like Muhly Grass, create lovely textural variation against the slightly weeping habit of the Duranta. For containers, consider trailing petunias or sweet potato vine planted at the rim to cascade downwards, softening the edges and complementing the pale purple flowers.

Design Ideas

Consider grouping Duranta erecta in drifts of three to create a significant block of color and texture. When using it as an informal hedge, maintain a slightly looser structure than formal hedges, allowing the natural spreading character of the shrub to emerge. In contemporary designs, plant the Golden dewdrops in modern, clean-lined containers accented with dark stone mulch to make the yellow-orange fruits truly pop during the late summer months.