Golden dewdrop (sky flower, duranta) Duranta erecta
Golden dewdrop (sky flower, duranta) (Duranta erecta) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Verbenaceae family, native to Tropical America (Mexico and Florida to Argentina). It grows 1.5–5 m (4.9–16 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
Plan Golden dewdrop (sky flower, duranta) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Golden dewdrop (sky flower, duranta) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–5 m (4.9–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 26–52 weeks after planting, for 29–47 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Tropical America (Mexico and Florida to Argentina) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇮🇳 India, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇿🇦 South Africa |
| Invasive in | Australia (environmental weed in Queensland and New South Wales), South Africa (declared invader), Pacific islands (incl. Hawaii): check local rules before planting |
Is Golden dewdrop (sky flower, duranta) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: berries, leaves
The orange berries contain saponins and have poisoned children and dogs (vomiting, drowsiness, convulsions in severe cases). Some forms have thorns.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Golden dewdrop (sky flower, duranta)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Golden dewdrop (sky flower, duranta)
- How far apart should I plant Golden dewdrop (sky flower, duranta)?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Golden dewdrop (sky flower, duranta) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Golden dewdrop (sky flower, duranta) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Golden dewdrop (sky flower, duranta)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Golden dewdrop (sky flower, duranta) flower?
- About 26–52 weeks after planting, for 29–47 weeks.
- Is Golden dewdrop (sky flower, duranta) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. The orange berries contain saponins and have poisoned children and dogs (vomiting, drowsiness, convulsions in severe cases). Some forms have thorns.
- What grows well with Golden dewdrop (sky flower, duranta)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Golden dewdrop (sky flower, duranta). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- In Thailand and Singapore the lime-green "Golden" form is the standard clipped hedge. Left unclipped it arches, with hanging sprays of blue-violet flowers and golden berries.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Verbena Verbena bonariensis
- Lemon verbena Aloysia citrodora
- Mexican oregano Lippia graveolens
- Lantana Lantana camara
- Vervain (common verbena) Verbena officinalis
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens