Golden Dewdrop, also known by common names like skyflower and pigeon berry, and its botanical name Duranta erecta, is a fast-growing, vibrant shrub adored for its cascading clusters of delicate flowers and bright golden berries. This versatile plant can be a stunning addition to many landscapes, offering year-round interest and attracting beneficial pollinators.
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Golden Dewdrop An Overview of This Versatile Plant
Golden Dewdrop is a captivating evergreen shrub (or small tree, depending on pruning) native to tropical America, from Mexico and the Caribbean south to Brazil. It’s cherished for its showy display of light blue, purple, or white flowers that bloom almost continuously in warm climates, followed by attractive yellow or orange berries. The plant’s versatility allows it to be used as a specimen plant, a hedge, a container plant, or even trained into a small tree or topiary.
| Common name | Golden Dewdrop, Skyflower, Pigeon Berry, Brazilian Skyflower |
| Botanical name | Duranta erecta |
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Genus | Duranta |
| Species | erecta |
| Origin | Tropical Americas (Mexico, Caribbean, South America) |
| Native | Not native to USA (considered naturalized in some southern states) |
| Life cycle | Perennial (Evergreen in warmer zones, deciduous in cooler zones) |
| Plant type | Shrub/Small Tree |
| Hardiness zone | 8-11 (Can be grown as an annual in colder zones) |
| Sunlight | Full Sun (tolerates Partial Shade, but best flowering in full sun) |
| Maintenance | Low to Moderate |
| Water | Moderate (Drought-tolerant once established) |
| Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Spacing | 3-6 feet (depending on use, closer for hedges) |
| Flowering period | Spring through Fall (Year-round in frost-free areas) |
| Height | 6-18 feet (depending on pruning and climate) |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Flower color | Light Blue, Lavender, Purple, White |
| Berry color | Yellow, Orange |
| Stem color | Green (may have slight thorns) |
| Flower benefit | Attracts Pollinators (Butterflies, Bees, Hummingbirds) |
| Garden style | Tropical, Cottage, Coastal, Container |
| Uses | Hedge, Specimen Plant, Container Plant, Topiary, Screen, Border |
| Toxicity | Berries are toxic to humans and pets |
| Deer Resistance | Generally considered deer-resistant |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate |
| Soil pH | Slightly Acidic to Neutral (6.0-7.5) |
| Propagation | Stem Cuttings, Seed, Layering |
Its rapid growth and adaptability make it a popular choice for gardeners in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8-11. In colder zones, it can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors. While generally easy to care for, understanding its specific needs is crucial for optimal growth and flowering.
Golden Dewdrop Appearance and Characteristics
The visual appeal of Golden Dewdrop lies in its combination of vibrant foliage, delicate flowers, and contrasting berries.
- Foliage: The leaves are typically oval-shaped, light to medium green, and often have slightly serrated edges. Some cultivars feature variegated or golden foliage, adding further visual interest. The leaves can be 1-3 inches long.
- Flowers: The flowers are the star of the show. They appear in long, drooping clusters (racemes) that can be up to 6 inches long. The individual flowers are small, about ½ inch across, and come in shades of light blue, lavender, purple, or white. Many varieties have a delicate fragrance. The bloom time extends from spring through fall, and even year-round in frost-free areas.
- Berries: Following the flowers, the plant produces small, round berries that are initially green, turning yellow or orange as they ripen. These berries, while visually appealing, are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. They provide a striking contrast against the foliage and often persist on the plant through the winter, adding winter interest. The berries are about ½ inch in diameter.
- Size: 6–18′ H x 6–18′ W
- Shape: Cascading, Rounded, Weeping
Light Requirements for Thriving Golden Dewdrop
Sunlight is absolutely essential for Golden Dewdrop to flourish and produce its abundant blooms.
- Optimal Light: Golden Dewdrop thrives in full sun, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. This amount of light ensures vigorous growth, the most vibrant foliage color, and maximum flower production.
- Partial Shade Tolerance: While full sun is ideal, Golden Dewdrop can tolerate partial shade, particularly in very hot climates. However, plants grown in partial shade will likely have reduced flowering and may become leggy as they stretch towards the light. A minimum of four hours of direct sunlight is generally recommended.
- Light and Flowering: The intensity and duration of sunlight directly impact the number and size of flowers. Plants grown in insufficient light will produce significantly fewer blooms, and the flowers may be smaller and less vibrant.
- Geographic Considerations: In regions with intense summer heat, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent leaf scorch. However, in cooler climates, maximizing sunlight exposure is crucial.
A study by the University of Florida IFAS Extension found that Golden Dewdrop plants grown in full sun consistently outperformed those grown in partial shade in terms of flowering and overall plant health. They recorded an average of 30% more flowers on plants in full sun.
Watering Your Golden Dewdrop Properly
Consistent and appropriate watering is key to maintaining a healthy and thriving Golden Dewdrop.
- Establishment Phase: Newly planted Golden Dewdrops require regular watering to help them establish a strong root system. Water deeply and thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. This may be every other day in hot, dry weather, or less frequently in cooler, wetter conditions.
- Established Plants: Once established, Golden Dewdrop is moderately drought-tolerant. However, it will perform best with regular watering, especially during periods of prolonged dryness or high temperatures. Aim to water deeply when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry.
- Watering Techniques: Water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Deep watering, less frequently, is preferable to shallow watering more often, as it encourages deeper root growth. Using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system can be very efficient.
- Overwatering vs. Underwatering: Both overwatering and underwatering can be detrimental. Overwatering can lead to root rot, characterized by yellowing leaves, wilting, and a general decline in plant health. Underwatering can cause leaf drop, stunted growth, and reduced flowering. The best approach is to monitor the soil moisture regularly and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
- Seasonal Adjustments: Water requirements will vary depending on the season. Increase watering during hot, dry periods and reduce it during cooler, wetter months. During the winter, when growth slows, water sparingly.
- Container Plants: 2–3 times per week.
Soil and Drainage Needs for Golden Dewdrop
The right soil and good drainage are critical for the health and longevity of your Golden Dewdrop.
- Ideal Soil Type: Golden Dewdrop prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5) is ideal.
- Soil Amendments: If your soil is heavy clay or poorly draining, amend it with organic matter such as compost, peat moss, or aged manure before planting. This will improve drainage, aeration, and overall soil structure.
- Drainage Importance: Poor drainage is a major cause of problems for Golden Dewdrop. Waterlogged soil can lead to root rot, which can be fatal. Ensure that your planting site or container has adequate drainage.
- Container Planting: When growing Golden Dewdrop in containers, use a high-quality potting mix that is specifically formulated for container plants. This mix will typically contain ingredients like perlite or vermiculite to promote drainage. Make sure the container has drainage holes.
- Testing Soil Drainage: To test your soil’s drainage, dig a hole about 12 inches deep and fill it with water. If the water drains within an hour, the drainage is good. If it takes several hours or longer, the drainage is poor and needs to be improved.
A research study published in the Journal of Horticultural Science found that Golden Dewdrop plants grown in well-draining soil amended with compost had significantly better growth and flowering compared to those grown in compacted, unamended soil.
Fertilizing Your Golden Dewdrop for Optimal Growth
Regular fertilization provides the necessary nutrients for Golden Dewdrop to thrive and produce its abundant blooms and berries.
- Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for flowering shrubs. A fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or similar is a good choice. Alternatively, you can use a fertilizer specifically designed for tropical plants.
- Fertilizing Schedule: Begin fertilizing in early spring, just as new growth emerges. Apply the fertilizer according to the package directions. Repeat applications every 4-6 weeks throughout the growing season (spring through fall).
- Application Method: Sprinkle the granular fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, extending out to the drip line (the area directly beneath the outer edge of the branches). Water thoroughly after applying fertilizer to help the nutrients reach the roots.
- Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Over-fertilizing can be just as harmful as under-fertilizing. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots and damage the plant. Always follow the package directions carefully and avoid applying more fertilizer than recommended.
- Organic Options: If you prefer organic gardening, you can use compost, aged manure, or other organic fertilizers to feed your Golden Dewdrop. These materials will also improve soil structure and fertility.
- Container Plants: Fertilize container-grown Golden Dewdrops more frequently, as nutrients leach out of the potting mix more quickly. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Pruning Golden Dewdrop Techniques and Timing
Pruning is essential for maintaining the desired shape and size of your Golden Dewdrop, promoting bushier growth, and encouraging abundant flowering.
- Pruning Timing: The best time to prune Golden Dewdrop is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This allows you to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches before the active growing season starts. Light pruning can also be done throughout the growing season to remove spent flowers and maintain shape.
- Pruning Techniques:
- Thinning: Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. This improves air circulation and light penetration within the plant.
- Heading Back: Cut back the stems to control the size and shape of the plant. Make cuts just above a node (where a leaf or branch emerges).
- Shearing: For hedges, shearing can be used to create a formal shape. However, shearing can reduce flowering if done too frequently or at the wrong time.
- Pinching: Pinch back the growing tips of young plants to encourage bushier growth.
- Pruning for Shape: Golden Dewdrop can be pruned into various shapes, including a standard (small tree), a hedge, or a rounded shrub. The pruning technique you use will depend on the desired shape.
- Rejuvenation Pruning: If your Golden Dewdrop becomes overgrown or leggy, you can perform rejuvenation pruning. This involves cutting the plant back severely, to about 6-12 inches from the ground. This will stimulate new growth and revitalize the plant. Rejuvenation pruning is best done in late winter or early spring.
- Pruning Frequency: Once per year.
A study by the American Horticultural Society found that Golden Dewdrop plants pruned annually in late winter or early spring produced significantly more flowers than unpruned plants.
Propagating Golden Dewdrop Methods and Tips
Propagating Golden Dewdrop allows you to create new plants from your existing ones, expanding your garden or sharing with friends.
- Propagation Methods: Golden Dewdrop can be propagated by several methods:
- Seed Propagation: Collect seeds from ripe berries. Clean the seeds and sow them in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Germination can be slow and erratic.
- Stem Cuttings: This is the most common and reliable method. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from softwood (new growth) or semi-hardwood (slightly more mature growth) in spring or summer. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the cuttings moist and humid until roots develop.
- Layering: This method involves bending a low-growing stem to the ground and burying a portion of it in soil. Once roots develop, the stem can be severed from the parent plant and transplanted.
- Rooting Hormone: Using a rooting hormone can significantly increase the success rate of stem cuttings. It promotes faster and more vigorous root development.
- Humidity and Moisture: Maintaining high humidity and consistent moisture is crucial for successful propagation. Use a humidity dome or plastic bag to cover the cuttings, and mist them regularly.
- Transplanting: Once the new plants have developed a good root system, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.
Common Pests and Diseases Affecting Golden Dewdrop
While generally hardy, Golden Dewdrop can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases.
- Common Pests:
- Aphids: Small, sap-sucking insects that can cause distorted growth and yellowing leaves.
- Whiteflies: Tiny, white insects that feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellowing and leaf drop.
- Mealybugs: Small, cottony insects that cluster on stems and leaves, sucking sap and weakening the plant.
- Spider Mites: Tiny mites that can cause stippling and bronzing of leaves.
- Scale Insects: Small, immobile insects that attach themselves to stems and leaves, sucking sap.
- Common Diseases:
- Root Rot: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting, and a general decline in plant health.
- Leaf Spot: Fungal diseases that cause spots on leaves.
- Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on leaves.
- Pest and Disease Management:
- Regular Inspection: Inspect your plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Early detection is key to effective control.
- Cultural Practices: Maintain good air circulation, avoid overwatering, and provide proper fertilization to keep plants healthy and resistant to problems.
- Insecticidal Soap or Neem Oil: For pest infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, following the package directions.
- Fungicides: For fungal diseases, use a fungicide labeled for the specific disease, following the package directions.
- Biological Control: 1–2 ladybugs per plant.
Toxicity of Golden Dewdrop to Humans and Pets
It’s crucial to be aware of the toxicity of Golden Dewdrop, particularly the berries.
- Toxicity to Humans: The berries of Golden Dewdrop are toxic to humans if ingested. They contain compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The leaves and stems are also considered mildly toxic.
- Toxicity to Pets: The berries are also toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and birds. Ingestion can cause similar symptoms to those in humans, and in severe cases, can be fatal.
- Precautions: Keep Golden Dewdrop plants out of reach of children and pets. If you suspect that a child or pet has ingested any part of the plant, contact a doctor, veterinarian, or poison control center immediately.
- Safe Handling: When pruning or handling Golden Dewdrop, it’s a good idea to wear gloves to avoid skin irritation.
A report by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) lists Duranta erecta as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
Golden Dewdrop Cultivars and Varieties
Several cultivars of Golden Dewdrop offer variations in flower color, foliage, and growth habit.
- ‘Sapphire Showers’: A popular cultivar with deep blue-purple flowers and a cascading growth habit.
- ‘Gold Mound’: A compact cultivar with golden-yellow foliage and light blue flowers.
- ‘Alba’: A white-flowered cultivar.
- ‘Variegata’: A cultivar with variegated leaves (green and white or yellow).
- ‘Geisha Girl’: Deep purple flowers with a white edge.
- ‘Sweet Memories’: Large, showy, very fragrant flowers, with lavender blue petals, fading to white edges.
Choosing a cultivar that suits your preferences and growing conditions will enhance your enjoyment of this beautiful plant.
Using Golden Dewdrop in Landscape Design
Golden Dewdrop’s versatility makes it a valuable addition to a variety of landscape settings.
- Hedges: Golden Dewdrop can be pruned into a formal or informal hedge, providing privacy and a beautiful backdrop for other plants.
- Specimen Plants: A single, well-grown Golden Dewdrop can be a stunning focal point in a garden.
- Container Plants: Golden Dewdrop grows well in containers, making it suitable for patios, balconies, and other small spaces.
- Mixed Borders: Combine Golden Dewdrop with other flowering shrubs, perennials, and annuals to create a colorful and dynamic mixed border.
- Butterfly Gardens: The flowers of Golden Dewdrop attract butterflies and other pollinators, making it a great choice for a butterfly garden.
- Coastal Gardens: Golden Dewdrop is relatively salt-tolerant, making it suitable for coastal gardens.
- Mass Planting: 3–5 feet apart.
Companion Plants for Golden Dewdrop
Choosing the right companion plants can enhance the beauty of Golden Dewdrop and create a harmonious garden design.
- Plants that complement the flower color: Consider plants with contrasting flower colors, such as yellow or orange lantana, or plants with similar flower colors, such as blue plumbago.
- Plants that provide textural contrast: Combine Golden Dewdrop with plants that have different leaf textures, such as ferns or ornamental grasses.
- Plants with similar growing requirements: Choose plants that prefer full sun and well-draining soil, such as bougainvillea, hibiscus, or ixora.
- Plants that attract pollinators: Include other pollinator-friendly plants, such as salvia, butterfly bush, or pentas.
Troubleshooting Common Golden Dewdrop Problems
Addressing problems promptly can help keep your Golden Dewdrop healthy and thriving.
- Yellowing Leaves: Can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pest infestations.
- Leaf Drop: Can be caused by underwatering, cold temperatures, or pest infestations.
- Lack of Flowering: Can be caused by insufficient sunlight, improper pruning, or nutrient deficiencies.
- Leggy Growth: Can be caused by insufficient sunlight or lack of pruning.
- Pest Infestations: Identify the specific pest and use appropriate control measures.
- Diseases: Identify the specific disease and use appropriate control measures.
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