Habitat and Location:
Duranta erecta is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Suriname, French Guiana, Guyana, Venezuela, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, The United States, Cayman Islands. Belize, Cuba, Dominican Republic. This fast-growing, evergreen shrub thrives in warm climates, often found in open woodlands, thickets, and along forest edges. It has been widely cultivated and naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
 
Description:
Duranta erecta is a versatile shrub or small tree prized for its ornamental appeal. Can grow as a shrub or small tree, reaching heights of 2-6 meters (pruned to size as desired). Its lush, vibrant green foliage provides a stunning backdrop to its showy, cascading clusters of tubular, violet-blue to lavender flowers, which are lightly fragrant. Following the flowering season, the plant produces bright yellow to orange berries that attract birds, making it a popular choice for wildlife gardens.
 
The plant’s ability to grow as a hedge, container specimen, or small ornamental tree makes it a favourite in landscaping in warmer climates. In the United Kingdom, growing outdoors is seasonal, otherwise it is a greenhouse or conservatory plant. If sheltering indoors for the winter, place in a south or west facing window.
 
Care Instructions:
Duranta erecta thrives in full sun to partial shade, performing best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It prefers well-draining soil and benefits from regular watering during its active growing season. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering. The plant is moderately drought-tolerant once established but appreciates consistent moisture in hot climates.
 
Maintain daytime temperatures between 20-30°C and nighttime temperatures around 15-20°C for optimal growth. In frost-prone areas, Duranta erecta can be grown in containers and brought indoors during cooler months. Prune regularly to shape the plant and control its size, as it can grow quite vigorously under ideal conditions. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season to encourage lush foliage and abundant flowering.
 
Specifications:
Plant Size: 15-25 cm
Family: Verbenaceae
Plant Passport: A Duranta erecta B 140084 c 12987 d GB