Family: Verbenaceae
Common name: Golden duranta, Golden dewdrop, Pigeon berry, Skyflower
Golden duranta are a native of Mexico, but is now garden favorites all over the world, because of their glowing greenish-yellow foliage, lavender flowers and globular fruits.
Plant characteristics
They can grow to a height of 6 meters and spreads equally wide. Young leaves are beautiful glowing-yellow in color, turning green as they mature. Golden dewdrop plants are thickly covered with leaves, mature plants also have small thorns.
During flowering season, the plant bursts out in light violet colored flowers in large clusters. Later, the plant produces fruits that are green, then turning yellowish-orange, containing many seeds.
Golden dewdrop plants have many cultivars that vary in the color of leaves and flowers; some of them having white flowers. There is a cultivar with variegated leaves having white or deep yellow borders that look very attractive in gardens.
Gardening tips
Golden dewdrop plants are sun-lovers growing and blooming best in full sunlight. It’s possible to grow them in the shade too, but with compromised blooming and leaf colors.
They can take severe pruning; the plant looking exceptionally pretty with tender yellow leaves after pruning. The thick foliage and thorns make them ideal candidates for hedges and dividers in gardens.
These plants can tolerate bad soil conditions and temperatures, though they thrive in warmer climates.
Golden dewdrop plants are considered invasive in some countries due to their capability to withstand bad growing conditions and spread very quickly.
Uses of Golden duranta
Golden duranta plants are mostly grown as ornamentals in home gardens, parks, and landscaped areas. They do exceptionally well as hedge plants because they can be pruned into desired shapes.
The colorful flowers attract butterflies and birds; and the fruits are favorites among birds. These birds help in dispersal of seeds, and spreading of the plants.
Leaves and berries contain toxins and can even kill pets; though birds seem to be able to consume them with no side effects. It is advisable to wear gloves while handling this plant since it can cause skin irritations for some people.
Propagation
Propagation is from stem cuttings or seeds.
Mature seeds can be collected, dried, and planted in moist, well-drained soil to germinate.
Semi-hardwood stem cuttings can be planted in moist soil after dipping the cut end in a rooting hormone.
Photographed at: GrandPaw pet resort; Olde Bangalore resort, Bangalore
