Family Verbenaceae (ver-be-NAY-see-ee) Genus Duranta (door-AN-tuh) Species erecta (ee-RECK-tuh) Cultivar Sapphire Flowers Synonym Golden Dew Drop, Pigeon Berry
Category Shrubs, Tropical Perennials Height 12-20 ft. Spacing 4-6 ft. Sun Exposure Full Sun Bloom Color light lavender, purple Bloom Time Blooms all year Foliage Evergreen-will lose leaves with frost Smooth Shiny/Glossy textured
Hardiness Zone 8a to 10 F Zone 8b to 15 F Zone 9a to 20 F Zone 9b to 25 F
Soil pH Requirements 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic) 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Water Requirements Average water needs
Pruning Instructions Trim to 4" height after hard frost Trim if desired early spring to shape
Propagation Methods From softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall From seed; winter sow in vented containers, cold frame or unheated green house Direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting Remove fleshy coating on seeds before spring
Other Details Cold tender, cover during frost periods Needs fertile well drained soil Attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds
Freezing Temps by Year: 2009-2010 Year: Freezing temps 12/09 & 01/10 * moderate winter 2010-2011 Year: Freezing temps 01/11 & 02/11 * moderate winter 2011/2012 Year: Freezing temps 12/11 & 01/12 * mild winter 2012/2013 Year: Freezing temps 12/12 & 01/13 * very mild winter
