Description
A Showy Shower of Purple Flowers
The 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 Duranta
This 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’.
Light
Duranta 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.
Watering
This 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 Potting
Duranta 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.
Fertilizer
Duranta 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.
Pruning
Pruning 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.
Propagation
Duranta 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 Diseases
Duranta 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.
Elizabeth K. (verified owner) –
It arrived on time in perfect condition.
Iris (verified owner) –
The plants are beautiful and very well packaged.
Jantze (verified owner) –
Beautiful plants that arrived lovely and healthy!
Dina Daniel (verified owner) –
Was looking extremely sad when I got it lots of dead blooms. Glad I owned one before and know how to take care of them I am hopeful. Was not as full for amount of money I paid
Patricia Poklemba (verified owner) –
Beautiful plant. Arrived in perfect condition.
Steven Schwartz (verified owner) –
My plant is healthy and blooming.
Edith Schmidt (verified owner) –
The two plants arrived and I was surprised to see that both plants had black spots on many of the leaves that were still alive. One plant has about one-third of the branches that have died. I have tried twice to fill out the form Plantvine requires to submit a claim. They want photos but limit how many can be sent. Since I received two plants I suppose the only way to send sufficient photos is do separate forms for each plant. I already have three other plants like this, about five years old, six feet tall. I was hoping these two would make a beautiful display along the wall. They attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Additional pertinent information on plants. The representative from Plantvine contacted me and arranged for two replacement plants. Photos of the plants were provided. The second two arrived today. One was in acceptable shape, the other was not. So from a total of four plants (paid for two) I was able to get that look well enough to thrive. In both cases I think the shipping company was 50% of problem. There are still black spots on the new plants also. I will be investigating what can done to get rid of them.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Really dry and a little broken when it arrived. However, it has perked up and new blooms are coming. Very pleased
Dennis (verified owner) –
After two days of past due on delivery date, the plant finally arrived. FedEX said something about the label being destroyed. The plant arrived with not a single leaf alive. They were wilted and completely dried out. There are some limbs on it that show promise of surviving. I don’t blame PantVine for this. The error, as far as I know was on the part of FedEX. I tracked the plant for about 3 days using FedEX and then the FedEX site had NO UPDATES until the morning of delivery. 2 days late. And given how HOT it has been, I’m not surprised of the condition of my poor plant. Like I said, hopefully, it will recover. Following all the directions you supplied in emails about how to remove it from the packaging, etc. Thank you for those too.
Brittany (verified owner) –
I got this plant for my mother because she loved mine so much. It arrived healthy, bushy, and with no damaged limbs!
Shannon N. (verified owner) –
Acclimating them now. Looking great!
Mona (verified owner) –
Both Duranta trees cane in excellent condition! Now letting them settle in before I plant them in their final location.
Elizabeth N. (verified owner) –
The plants are well protected for shipping. I have bought several plants and they have all been beautiful. I have never been disappointed. Thank you for doing such a great job!
Julie (verified owner) –
Great packing & shipping ! Unwrapped it and watered it well its doing fine thank you Plantvine!
Mary Rountree (verified owner) –
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Very satisfied! Beautiful condition ! Packing was great!
Regina (verified owner) –
I love this tree. Shipped beautifully and looks great in my yard. Already flowering.
Tricia C. (verified owner) –
My little tree arrived in perfect condition. I’m so happy to add her to my garden
Julie F. (verified owner) –
The obvious care put into packaging and shipping my tree tells me everything I need to know about your company. The tree arrived in spectacular condition and within a day it was spreading it’s limbs and beginning to relax. The tree is definitely very healthy and we look forward to it becoming a focal point in our yard. Thank you!!
MARION (verified owner) –
The plant arrived safely wrapped and well prepared. It was actually larger and in fuller bloom than we expected and we’re delighted with it. Thank you.
Virginia (verified owner) –
Anonymous (verified owner) –
It arrived beautifully packed and in perfect condition! Best plant I have received from any online nursery! THank you!
Youa Yang (verified owner) –
Just beautiful I love it
Carla L. (verified owner) –
My order was sent very fast. Plant is beautiful and healthy. Thank you so much.
Kortney (verified owner) –
Everything looks good so far! Got my skyflower golden dewdrop Duranta tree today. Aside from the fedex man throwing it on its side when it said “this side up” lol, I think it weathered the trip nicely. These trees are so hard to find in NJ because they’re tropical. Happy with it so far. Ordered 4/9, shipped 4/20, arrived 4/23, within the 10 business days window 🙂 These are great trees that butterflies, bumblebees, and hummingbirds really like. Just be sure to bring it in if it gets too cold in your region. I’m so happy I was able to find this tree! Be careful, it can be poisonous to animals.
Barbara S. (verified owner) –
Delivered safely and already in bloom!
Vicki Lubben (verified owner) –
Michaela Fletcher (verified owner) –
Jane Johnson (verified owner) –
It’s gorgeous!
Sheila L. (verified owner) –
The plants arrived in very good condition. I’m very happy with my purchase.