Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Duranta erecta |
| Family Name: | Verbenaceae |
| Common Name(s): | Duranta, Golden Dewdrop, Sappire Showers, Pigeon Berry, Skyflower |
| Size: | 10 to 15 feet tall and wide |
| Plant Type: | Evergreen shrub, Perennial |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Native to tropical America, widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide |
| Native to: | Some sources claim it is native to the West Indies and Central America, while others claim it is native to the Florida Keys. It is also said to be native from Florida to Brazil and in the West Indies. There is some debate about whether the plant is also native to the southern United States, including Florida. So, while it’s not definitively established, there are claims that the Duranta erecta could be native to Florida. |
| Native range in the USA: | Common in southern states like Florida and Texas |
| Conservation Status: | Does not currently have a designated conservation status under major international bodies. It is not listed as endangered or threatened. |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Spring to ensure establishment before winter |
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type: | Rich, well-drained |
| Soil pH: | 5.6 to 6.5 |
| Water Requirements: | Low; only water your tree occasionally. |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | High; benefits from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. |
| Pruning Requirements: | Regular pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth |
| Growth Rate: | Fast, up to 24 inches per year under ideal conditions |
| Companion Planting: | Complements other tropical plants like hibiscus, bougainvillea, and palms |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | Moderate; more drought-resistant once established, only water your tree occasionally. |
| Frost Tolerance: | Low; damage occurs at temperatures below 30°F / -1°C. Even if it experiences cold damage, it will bounce back in the spring. |
| Heat Tolerance: | Very high; thrives in hot, tropical conditions up to 100°F / 38°C |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate; can handle some wind but may need protection from strong gusts |
| Salt Tolerance: | Low; not suitable for coastal areas, cannot survive salt. |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | 9 to 11 |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Small, round berries |
| Harvest Time: | Summer to winter; berries are ready when they turn bright yellow or violet |
| Fruit Description: | Vibrant yellow or violet berries clustered along the stems, very attractive to birds. The fruits are typically half an inch in diameter and hang from the plant like densely clustered strands of pearls. |
| Edible Plant: | No; berries are toxic to humans and pets |
| Edible Parts: | None; plant should not be consumed |
| Medicinal: | Traditionally used in some cultures for its purported medicinal properties, though not commonly used in modern herbalism |
| Flower Color: | Blue to purple |
| Flower Shape: | Small, tubular |
| Fragrance: | Lightly fragrant |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Late spring to early summer |
| Bloom Duration: | Continues through early fall |
| Pollination: Self or Other? |
Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators |
Wildlife
| Attracts: | Birds, particularly those that feed on the berries |
| Pollinators: | Bees and butterflies |
| Problematic Pest: | Pest problems are typically not serious, but potential offenders are caterpillars, nematodes, and scale. |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | Yes, berries are toxic to humans and pets |
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | Berries |
| Toxic to Humans: | Yes, berries are poisonous if ingested |
| Toxic to Animals: | Yes, berries are toxic to pets |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | Can be prone to fungal diseases in humid conditions |
Sapphire Shower (Duranta Erecta)
Unleash the vibrant charm of Sapphire Shower plant, a dazzling evergreen that captivates with its stunning display of colorful flowers and ornamental berries. This versatile shrub is celebrated not just for its aesthetic appeal but also for its robust growth and adaptability, making it a prized addition to any tropical or subtropical garden.
Visual Appeal
Duranta erecta, known for its lush foliage and arching branches, reaches heights of 10 to 15 feet, creating a striking presence in any landscape. During late spring to early summer, the plant bursts into life with clusters of small, tubular flowers, ranging in color from vivid blue to purple, which beautifully complement its bright green leaves. As the season progresses, these flowers give way to hanging clusters of golden or violet berries, adding a splash of color and intrigue that persists into the fall.
Beyond its ornamental use, Duranta erecta is often employed in hedges and as a feature plant in floral borders. Its ability to be shaped makes it popular for topiaries and garden sculptures, offering creative ways to personalize your green spaces.
A Note of Caution
While the Sapphire Shower plant is a marvel to behold, it's important to note that its berries are toxic if ingested by humans or pets. Always consider placement carefully, especially in gardens frequented by children and animals.
Invite Golden Dewdrop Into Your Garden
Embrace the enchanting allure of Duranta erecta and let its cascading flowers and berries transform your garden into a vibrant sanctuary. Whether you're looking to attract wildlife, create stunning visual displays, or simply enjoy the lush, tropical vibe, Sapphire Shower is an exceptional choice that promises year-round beauty.
Companion Planting
For companion planting with Duranta erecta in Florida, here's a selection of both Florida Native and Florida Friendly plants that would complement your Duranta beautifully:
Florida Native Plants
Firebush (Hamelia patens)
Zone Range: 8-11
Benefits: Produces attractive red-orange flowers that are great for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Complements Duranta in both height and floral display.
Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
Zone Range: 6-10
Benefits: Known for its vivid purple berries that look stunning against Duranta’s purple flowers. Offers food for birds and visual interest in fall and winter.
Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)
Zone Range: 6-11
Benefits: Features beautiful pink to purple blooms that add a soft texture contrast and pair well with the structural form of Duranta.
Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Zone Range: 4-10
Benefits: This climbing vine brings vertical interest with its tubular red flowers that attract pollinators, making it a beneficial companion for attracting wildlife.
Tickseed (Coreopsis spp.)
Zone Range: 4-9
Benefits: Florida’s state wildflower provides cheerful yellow blooms that can brighten the area around Duranta and attract various pollinators.
Wild Coffee (Psychotria nervosa)
Zone Range: 9-11
Benefits: Offers glossy leaves and provides berries for birds. It can thrive in the shadier spots near Duranta if it doesn't receive full sun.
Florida Friendly Plants
Jatropha (Jatropha integerrima)
Zone Range: 10-12
Benefits: Features year-round bright red or pink flowers that can enhance the tropical look of Duranta and attract butterflies.
Ixora (Ixora spp.)
Zone Range: 9-11
Benefits: Known for its dense clusters of vibrant flowers, ixora thrives in similar conditions as Duranta, providing a wonderful color complement.
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)
Zone Range: 9-11
Benefits: Its dramatic blooms add height and intense color contrast, which can visually enhance the surrounding area of Duranta.
Pentas (Pentas lanceolata)
Zone Range: 10-11
Benefits: Offers a lower growing option with star-shaped flowers in various colors, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.
Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
Zone Range: 9-11
Benefits: Adds dramatic leaf coloration in shades of red, yellow, and green, providing a striking contrast to Duranta’s green foliage and purple flowers.
Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata)
Zone Range: 8-11
Benefits: Its soft blue flowers provide a delicate contrast to Duranta’s bold blooms and it’s an excellent choice for filling in garden spaces.
These companions are selected for their ability to thrive under similar conditions as Duranta erecta, their contribution to biodiversity, and their aesthetic compatibility, ensuring a cohesive and sustainable garden design.