Duranta - Sapphire Shower
Duranta erecta ‘Sapphire Showers’ is a vibrant, evergreen shrub known for its striking clusters of purple flowers followed by bright golden berries. Duranta are ideal for adding a splash of color to your garden or landscape. The variety ‘Gold Mound’ is also noteworthy for its bright yellow foliage and more compact habit. Duranta thrives in sunny locations and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a perfect choice for creating a lively and inviting addition to your outdoor space.
General Description
Scientific Name: Duranta erecta
Common Name(s): Sapphire Shower Duranta, Golden Dewdrop, Pigeon Berry, Skyflower
Native Range: Tropical & Subtropical Americas
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Hardiness Zone: 9a – 11b
Flower Color: Purple, followed by golden berries
Mature Height: 10+ feet in warmer zones, in zone 9 – the average is 2 – 4 ft
Mature Width: 6 – 8 ft
Plant Traits:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Florida-Friendly
- Cold Temperatures do cause foliage loss, but plants recover well in spring
General Care & Cultural Requirements
Light: Full to Part Sun
Soil Tolerances: Well draining sandy loam
Salt Tolerance: Moderate to salt spray – Does not tolerate high soil salts
Drought Tolerance: Moderate – Good
Heat Tolerance: Good
Trimming: Spring through Summer if needed to maintain habit and shape. Plants can be pruned down to a few inches from the ground in early spring, after last frost to encourage lush growth
Watering: Well to establishment, as needed through droughts
Fertilizing: Fertilize in spring with a well balanced granular fertilizer
Recommended Planting Season: Spring through Summer
Uses In The Landscape
- Accent or Specimen Shrub
- Pollinator Gardens
- Container Gardens
- Florida-Friendly Landscapes
Pests & Diseases
Ocassional issues with Scale, Nematodes, and Catepillars. No Major Disease issues.
*All parts of Duranta erecta are poisonous to humans and pets