What Are the Different Types of Duranta Plant

Duranta is a genus of flowering shrubs and small trees that belong to the Verbenaceae family. The plants are native to tropical regions of the Americas, Asia, and Australia. They are easy to grow, fast-growing, and produce beautiful flowers and ornamental berries. There are several different types of Duranta plant available in the market. In this article, we will discuss some of the most popular ones.

Golden Dewdrop (Duranta erecta)

Golden Dewdrop, also known as Skyflower or Pigeon Berry, is a popular Duranta plant that grows up to 18 feet tall. It has bright green leaves and produces beautiful blue or purple flowers that bloom from spring to fall. The plant also produces ornamental berries that turn from green to yellow or orange as they ripen. Golden Dewdrop is commonly used as a hedge plant or as a specimen plant in gardens and landscapes.

Sapphire Showers (Duranta stenostachya)

Sapphire Showers is a relatively new Duranta plant that has gained popularity due to its beautiful blue-purple flowers. It is a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. The plant has small leaves and produces long drooping clusters of flowers that appear from summer to fall. Sapphire Showers is an excellent choice for adding color and texture to borders and hedges.

Sweet Memories (Duranta repens)

Sweet Memories is a compact variety of Duranta plant that grows up to 4 feet tall and wide. It has small green leaves and produces clusters of white flowers that bloom from spring to summer. The plant also produces ornamental berries that turn from green to yellow as they ripen. Sweet Memories is an excellent choice for small gardens, containers, or as a groundcover.

Alba (Duranta erecta var. alba)

Alba is a white-flowered variety of Golden Dewdrop. It has the same growth habit and ornamental berries as Golden Dewdrop but produces white flowers instead of blue or purple. Alba is an excellent choice for creating contrast in mixed borders or as a specimen plant in gardens and landscapes.

Aurea (Duranta erecta var. aurea)

Aurea is a Golden Dewdrop variety that has bright yellow leaves. It produces blue or purple flowers and ornamental berries like the regular Golden Dewdrop. Aurea is an excellent choice for adding color and texture to gardens and landscapes.

Variegata (Duranta erecta var. variegata)

Variegata is a Golden Dewdrop variety that has variegated leaves with green and yellow stripes. It produces blue or purple flowers and ornamental berries like the regular Golden Dewdrop. Variegata is an excellent choice for adding interest to mixed borders, hedges, or as a specimen plant.

Repens (Duranta repens)

Repens is a low-growing variety of Duranta plant that grows up to 3 feet tall and wide. It has small green leaves and produces clusters of blue or purple flowers that bloom from spring to summer. The plant also produces ornamental berries that turn from green to yellow as they ripen. Repens is an excellent choice for small gardens, containers, or as a groundcover.

In conclusion, there are several different types of Duranta plant available in the market. Each variety has its unique characteristics and uses in gardens and landscapes.

FAQ

Are Duranta plants easy to care for?

Yes, Duranta plants are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. They prefer well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade, and regular watering.

Do Duranta plants attract bees and butterflies?

Yes, Duranta plants are attractive to bees and butterflies due to their beautiful flowers.

Are Duranta plants poisonous?

Yes, Duranta plants are poisonous if ingested. It is advisable to keep them away from pets and children.

Can Duranta plants be grown in containers?

Yes, Duranta plants can be grown in containers. However, make sure the container has good drainage, and the plant receives enough sunlight.

How fast do Duranta plants grow?

Duranta plants are fast-growing and can grow up to 5 feet per year under optimal conditions.