Growing ornamental plants has become a fashion these days because of their sheer charm and one such popular plant is the vine-like, evergreen shrub, duranta erecta. Commonly known as golden dewdrops and pigeon berry, this American native is widely grown as a hedge plant or a potted houseplant.
Know your duranta erecta
Commonly seen as an ornamental plant in hedges and windbreaks, the pigeon berry is also used for medicinal purposes in China. It also possesses antimicrobial, antioxidant and insecticidal properties. There are about 17 to 36 species of duranta found worldwide.
A member of the verbena family, the golden dewdrops flaunts evergreen foliage with rounded or oval leaves that are nearly two-inch long. It has pale blue, violet or white flower clusters during the growing season, while boasting dropping clusters of orange berries during the fall.
While the plant attains an average height of two to four ft, it can grow to become a tree in warm climates in a matter of a few years.
See also: Lucky plants for the home that bring money and good luck
Duranta Erecta: Quick facts
| Botanical name | Duranta erecta |
| Country of origin | Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America |
| Common names | Duranta plant, duranta, golden dewdrops, sky flower, pigeon berry, angel whisper |
| Family | Verbena |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Soil | Rich loam, well-drained, sandy or gravel, fertile soils |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Sunlight | Combination of direct and partial sun exposure |
| Bloom season | May to September |
| Toxic | To humans, pets |
See also: Rosa chinensis plant benefits, care and maintenance tips
How to grow Duranta Erecta from seed?
To grow new plants from seeds, collect seeds from ripe Duranta berries. Remove the berry pulp to get the seed. Use sterile potting mix to gently place the seeds. Germination takes about 30 to 60 days at 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tips to care for duranta erecta
Sun exposure
As houseplants, duranta would require direct sun exposure for at least six hours in a day. It should later be brought back in partial shade for a couple of hours. Remember, partial sunlight for long hours would impact its growth and it will become sparse and lanky.
Watering
The plant requires moderate water. For an indoor plant, water it only when the soil dries up. When used as hedges outside, it requires an inch of rain every week.
Fertiliser
The golden dewdrop would not require fertilisers for long as its soil is rich. However, you can occasionally add all-purpose mild fertilisers to boost its growth.
Pruning
The golden dewdrop is a weed, known to invade riparian habitats and scrublands. It changes the natural ecosystem. It is also allelopathic and displaces native plants. It gets associated with organisms by forming dense thickets. As an invasive species, duranta plants grow wild in all directions. So, pruning is extremely important.
Toxicity level
The shrub is highly poisonous and can kill humans, as well as pets, if its leaves or fruits are consumed. However, no poisonous effect of the plant is visible on birds that eat its fruits.
See also: Everything a rookie gardener needs to know about Bougainvillaea Glabra
Diseases/risks in golden dewdrops
Whiteflies
Anthracnose disease
FAQs
Is duranta plant poisonous?
Yes, duranta plant is poisonous. It has been reported to have killed pets and humans upon consumption of leaves, fruits, and berries.
Can I grow duranta plant in India?
Duranta plant can withstand dry and humid conditions, so it can be grown in India.
An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal, Sunita Mishra brings over 16 years of expertise to the fields of legal matters, financial insights, and property market trends. Recognised for her ability to elucidate complex topics, her articles serve as a go-to resource for home buyers navigating intricate subjects. Through her extensive career, she has been associated with esteemed organisations like the Financial Express, Hindustan Times, Network18, All India Radio, and Business Standard.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Sunita holds an MA degree in Sanskrit, with a specialisation in Indian Philosophy, from Delhi University. Outside of her work schedule, she likes to unwind by practising Yoga, and pursues her passion for travel.
[email protected]
