Description
A Showy Shower of Purple FlowersThe Duranta Erecta is a flowering shrub that grows in zones 10 and 11. Also known as Sapphire Showers, Pigeon Berry, Skyflower, or Golden Dewdrop, the Duranta Erecta is native to the tropical regions of America, South America, the Caribbean, and Mexico.Because of the Sapphire Showers cultivation in various areas of the world, it’s actually become invasive in regions of Australia, South Africa and China as well as some of the Pacific Islands. It is a unique plant that thrives well outdoors as either a tree or within its bushy form. The Duranta Erecta ‘Sapphire Showers’ is also known to attract bees and butterflies.Best grown in full sun and with regular watering, the Duranta Erecta ‘Sapphire Showers,’ produces light blue, violet and white flowers seasonally that are small and definitely a pretty accent. The unique flowers are where the Sapphire Showers name comes from. On the other hand, It’s the fruit produced, that give it the other common name of Golden Dewdrop.The fruits of the skyflower are orange or yellow in color and are highly toxic, as are the leaves. This is why it’s important to keep the plant away from pets as well as small children. You may also find needles and spines on some of the older plants though they don’t seem to appear on younger plants.Caring for your Golden Dewdrop BushThis fast-growing plant can reach up to 20 feet in height, making it a great choice for creating a privacy screen or adding vertical interest to a garden. Here are some tips on caring for your Duranta erecta ‘Sapphire Showers’.LightDuranta erecta ‘Sapphire Showers’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is important to provide the plant with at least 6 hours of sunlight each day for optimal growth and flowering. If the plant is grown in too much shade, it may produce fewer flowers and become leggy.WateringThis shrub prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate some drought once established. It is important to water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to decline rapidly. In hot, dry weather, the plant may require more frequent watering.Soil and PottingDuranta erecta ‘Sapphire Showers’ prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of equal parts sand, perlite, and peat moss or coconut coir works well. When planting in a pot, make sure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating in the soil.FertilizerDuranta erecta ‘Sapphire Showers’ benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant season (fall and winter) as it may not be actively growing.PruningPruning can help maintain the shape and size of the plant, promote healthy growth, and encourage more flowering. It is best to prune the plant after it has finished blooming in the late summer or early fall. Remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any suckers that grow from the base of the plant. To promote bushier growth, pinch back the tips of the stems.PropagationDuranta erecta ‘Sapphire Showers’ can be propagated by softwood cuttings taken in the spring or early summer. Cut a 6-inch stem tip with a few leaves and remove the lower leaves. Dip the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in moist potting soil. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity and keep the soil moist until the cutting roots.Pests and DiseasesDuranta erecta ‘Sapphire Showers’ is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and scale insects, particularly if the plant is stressed or grown in hot, dry conditions. To prevent pest infestations, keep the plant healthy and well-watered. If you notice any signs of pest infestation, such as webbing or sticky residue, treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
