Golden duranta is a flowering plant in the family Verbenaceae, native to the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico. The species is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions, where it is sometimes known as " golden dewdrop " or " skyflower ". It can grow as a shrub or small tree, reaching a height of up to 6 m (20 ft). The leaves are opposite, oblong to lanceolate, and 520 cm (2.07.9 in) long and 26 cm (0.792.36 in) broad. The flowers are borne in clusters at the ends of the stems, each flower with five petals fused at the base, blue or purple in color with a yellow throat. The fruit is a drupe, 510 mm (0.200.39 in) diameter, containing a single seed.
Related plant:
Cotinus Golden Spirit
About soil condition, Golden duranta prefers well-drained soils, but it is adaptable to a range of soil conditions. It is not drought tolerant, however, and will not tolerate extended periods of dry conditions. It is also not tolerant of soggy, wet soils. In its natural habitat, it is often found growing on rocky hillsides or in open woodlands.
So, like the other durantas, the golden duranta requires full sun to partial sun. It will not tolerate shade for long periods of time. The more sun it gets, the more vibrant its colors will be. It's a hardy plant that can withstand poor soils, as long as they are well-drained.
The temperature condition that is most ideal for growing golden duranta is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant prefers full sun to partial sun, and Soil that is well-drained and has a high organic matter content. Water the duranta deeply but less frequently, and fertilize it monthly with a balanced fertilizer. Pinch back the tips of the shoots to encourage bushier growth.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 60%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.
Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant does not need a lot. In fact, too much can actually be detrimental to growth. A Golden Duranta can be transplanted easily and will quickly send out new roots to explore its new home.
Pruning is an important part of caring for your golden duranta. Not only does it help to keep the plant looking tidy, but it also helps to encourage new growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased leaves or stems. You can prune golden duranta back quite severely without damaging the plant.
Propagation is often done by rooting stem cuttings in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from new growth, and be 4-6 inches long. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems, as these will be most likely to root. Cut just below a node, and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone, and plant in moistened perlite or sand. The cuttings should be kept moist and in high humidity. Bottom heat can also be provided by placing the container on a heating mat. Cuttings should root in 4-6 weeks.
Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer when the weather is warm and there is plenty of sunlight. However, the plant can also grow during the fall and winter if conditions are right. Duranta thrive in well-drained soil and need full sun to partial shade to grow well. Too much shade will cause the plant to become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves may turn yellow and the plant may stop growing. These problems are usually caused by too much water or too little sun. If the leaves turn yellow, you may need to water the plant less often. If the plant stops growing, you may need to give it more sun.
Source:
Gold Duranta lights up summer landscape | Mississippi State
Discover Nature at JCU - Duranta erecta - JCU Australia
Duranta erecta - Species Page - ISB: Atlas of Florida Plants
