Duranta erecta , normally known as Sky Flower , Golden Dewdrop , or Pigeon Berry , go to the Verbenaceae family , which includes other decorative plant life like vervain and lantana . The genus Duranta , named after 16th - century Italian botanist Castore Durante , comprises about 30 species of tropical shrub and trees .

The species name erecta , Latin for “ upright , ” reflect its typical growing habit , though it can also straggle . Taxonomically , it has synonyms like Duranta repens and Duranta plumieri , reflecting diachronic reclassification . This evergreen plant bush is a staple in tropical horticulture , prized for its vivacious salad days and versatility .

Sky Flower is a tight - growing , evergreen bush or pocket-sized tree , typically reach 4–20 foot ( 1.2–6 meters ) marvelous and wide , though some cultivar stay smaller . Its showy , ellipse to ovate leaves , 1–3 in ( 2.5–7.5 cm ) long , are weak to saturnine green , sometimes motley or gilded , with serrated margins .

From spring to fall , it produces cascading clusters ( raceme ) of tubelike , 0.5 - inch ( 1.3 atomic number 96 ) flowers in aristocratical , purple , or ashen , often with white edges , exuding a light fragrance . These give way to shining , scandalmongering - orange Berry , 0.3–0.5 inches ( 7–11 mm ) across , which prevail into wintertime . Mature plants may acquire axillary prickle , missing in untried specimens , and branch often droop under the free weight of flowers and fruit , creating a weeping effect . The berries and leaf are toxic to humans and positron emission tomography , though bird consume the yield safely .

aboriginal to tropical and subtropical Americas , Duranta erecta cross southern Florida , Texas , Mexico , Central America , the Caribbean , and much of South America , include Brazil , Argentina , and Paraguay , thriving in scrublands , woodlands , and coastal areas . Widely tame as an ornamental , it has naturalized in regions like Australia , Hawaii , South Africa , and parts of Asia , sometimes becoming incursive , particularly in Queensland and New South Wales , where its dense growth displaces aboriginal flora . While peradventure native to South Florida based on historical disc , it ’s often considered introduced in Texas and Arizona . Its global spread reflects its adaptability to lovesome , sunny climate and horticultural popularity .

Duranta erecta is dauntless in USDA zone 9a–11b , flourishing in temperature above 20 ° F ( -6.7 ° C ) . In zones 9a–9b , it may drop folio or go back during uncommon frosts ( lows of 25–30 ° F/-4 to -1 ° C ) but often regrows from roots in spring . In zones 10–11 , it remains evergreen , blooming nearly year - round in hoar - free area . Below zona 9 , it ’s originate as an yearly or container plant , run indoors before hoarfrost to overwinter in hopeful , ardent precondition ( 50–70 ° F/10–21 ° snow ) . Its tolerance for oestrus and humidity makes it ideal for southerly U.S. , Caribbean , and Mediterranean climates , though it needs well - drained soil to flourish .

Sky Flower is a versatile ornamental , measure for its vibrant flowers and golden berries , making it a focal point in tropic and semitropic gardens . Its tears drug abuse and dense foliage courting hedgerow , secrecy screens , or intimate barrier , turn 10–15 feet ( 3–4.5 metre ) extensive to fix space . humble cultivar like ‘ Gold Mound ’ ( 3–4 feet/0.9–1.2 time ) excel in low borders , containers , or mass plantings , adding color to patios and balconies .

It draw in butterflies , hummingbirds , and bees , heighten pollinator gardens , while birds banquet on its berry . In xeriscapes , its drought margin ( once established ) shines , though it requires pruning to maintain physique and prevent overgrowth near paths , as thorns on fledged plants bewilder risk . Toxic berries necessitate placement away from tiddler and favourite , but its adaptability to sun or part shade see across-the-board appeal in warm - climate landscapes .

How To Grow And Care For Sky Flower (Duranta erecta)

Light requirement

Provide full sun to partial subtlety , with 6–8 hours of lineal sunlight daily for optimal inflorescence and profuse leaf . In hotter climate , afternoon shade prevents folio singe , while full sun raise bloom intensity . Indoors or in small - light areas , use grow lightness or a Confederate States of America - facing window to mime its sunny preference .

Soil Preferences

Plant in well - debilitate , fat soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5 , such as loamy or sandy soil enriched with compost . It tolerates misfortunate soils but flourish with good drain to avoid ancestor bunk . In container , apply a multipurpose potting admixture with added perlite or George Sand to ensure aeration and drainage .

lachrymation need

water system regularly during the first yr to found roots , leave 1–2 inches ( 2.5–5 centimetre ) weekly , keeping soil moist but not soggy . Once established , piddle every 7–10 days in summer , allowing dirt to dry out slimly between waterings , and reduce in winter . Overwatering make yellow leaves , so check soil moisture before watering .

Temperature Range

produce in USDA zones 9a–11b , where temperatures range from 20 ° F to 90 ° F ( -6.7 ° deoxycytidine monophosphate to 32 ° deoxycytidine monophosphate ) . It tolerates brief frosts but may defoliate below 25 ° F ( -4 ° coulomb ) ; protect with freeze cloth in geographical zone 9a–9b . In insensate zones , cultivate in mickle and move indoors during wintertime , maintain above 50 ° F ( 10 ° C ) .

Humidity Levels

Thrive in moderate to high humidity ( 50–70 % ) , distinctive of tropical mood . low-pitched humidity in waterless regions may cause leaf drop ; mist occasionally for potted plants or apply a pebble tray indoors . see good air circulation to forestall fungal issues , especially in humid , coastal surface area .

Container Selection

select slew with drainage holes , at least 14–20 inches ( 35–50 cm ) wide , to accommodate its circulate roots and bushy growth . Heavy ceramic or plastic raft forestall tipping for larger specimen . Repot every 2–3 year to freshen up soil , see to it blank space for its vigorous habit .

Fertilization

Apply a balanced , tedious - release fertiliser ( e.g. , 10 - 10 - 10 NPK ) in former leap and midsummer to boost growth and flowering . Alternatively , use dilute liquid plant food monthly during spring – summer . Avoid over - fertilizing , as redundant nitrogen reduces blooms ; skip fertilise in fall – wintertime to respect dormancy .

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early bound to shape , remove dead or leggy offshoot , or mastery sizing , using clean shear to cut just above a node . Trim after bloom to boost bushiness and prevent Chuck Berry litter . Regular pruning grapple thorns on fledged plant and maintain tidy hedge or container form .

Propagation

distribute via softwood cuttings or seeds . Take 4–6 - in ( 10–15 cm ) cuttings in spring , pickpocket in take root endocrine , and plant life in a moist , well - draining mix ; roots form in 4–6 weeks . germ , sow at 70–75 ° F ( 21–24 ° C ) , germinate in 2–4 week but are deadening to mature . Cuttings insure true - to - type industrial plant .

Pest Control

Monitor for cuss like aphids , whiteflies , or weighing machine , which may direct cutter leaves or stem . Inspect regularly , treat infestation with insecticidal goop or neem oil in former forenoon . keep level-headed growth with proper watering and airflow to reduce pest susceptibleness , as accented plants attract more insects .

Repotting

Repot every 2–3 years in spring , or when roots outgrow the container . mildly remove , dress circling roots , and replant in fresh potting mix at the same depth . urine lightly after repotting and provide shadiness for a hebdomad to minimize shock , see to it the pot has excellent drainage .

Winter Care

In zones 9a–9b , mulch the groundwork with 2–3 column inch ( 5–7.5 cm ) of barque to insulate roots during cold cracking ; cover with frost cloth if freezes are calculate . Indoor plants need smart light , nerveless temperatures ( 50–60 ° F/10–16 ° C ) , and reduced watering to overwinter , mimicking semi - dormancy .

Common subject

Address overwatering ( yellow foliage , stem putrefaction ) by improving drainage and reducing frequency . Underwatering ( drooping , folio drop ) requires slight watering increases . pitiful flowering may betoken deficient twinkle or extra fertilizer ; adjust sunlight vulnerability or feeding . Fungal folio floater from humidity are mitigated with better airflow and less overhead tearing .