This eye-catching shrub with bright yellow-green leaves is a perfect choice for a full sun landscape. Combine the plant with plum-colored loropetalums or ti plants to create a beautiful contrast in the garden. A bonus to the chartreuse leaves is the weeping stems of tiny orchid-like flowers that eventually turn into bright yellow berries. Durantas add a power punch of color to the landscape and offer a beautiful surprise when they start to flower. Use this plant as a border plant, a foundation plant, or as a low hedge. Add to a butterfly garden to attract a variety of pollinators. These plants are also available as standards with a simple trunk or a fancy braided trunk.
Plant Durantas in full sun and well-drained soil. Water daily when planted in the landscape until established. Water thoroughly, but do not soak. This plant does not like wet feet. After it becomes established, water as needed. If planted in shaded areas, the leaves will not turn chartreuse, and flowering will diminish. However, the plant will serve as a lovely green shrub. This plant does well in zones 9 and above. Enjoy Durantas in colder zones as an annual.
Note: These plants are grown for decorative purposes and are not intended for human or animal consumption
FAST FACTS
Outstanding Features: Bright yellow-green foliage, bunches of tiny purple flowers
Common Name
Golden Dewdrop
Bloom Colors
Purple
Water
Water daily until established and then as needed
Zone
9 and above
Fertilizer
Well-balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season
Scientific Name
Duranta erecta
Light
Full sun, can tolerate some shade
Size
2-3 feet tall and about as wide
Overwintering
In zones 8 and lower, use as a container plant or as an annual in the landscape
Companion Plants
Ti plant, loropetalum, croton