Duranta erecta

Rapid growing, dense shrub with small glossy leaves and a profusion of pendulous racemes of small flowers with colors varying from light blue to purple. Some selections fruit heavily, and the plant becomes covered with small, golden ball–like drupes. Must be treated as an annual–root hardy perennial in most parts of Texas, but will be perennial in south Texas. The cultivar ‘Gold Edge’ has intense yellow variegation and flowers sparcely.

Hardiness: Zone 9

Exposure: Sun or shade; flowers heavier in sun; ‘Gold Edge’ prefers shade

Size: Height — 12 to 15 feet in south Texas, but size depends on pruning

Bloom time: Summer till frost

Notes: Root–hardy perennial in south Texas, but annual or tender perennial in most of the state

For further information: Duranta – a Texas Superstar® Plant