Golden Dewdrop Planting Guide
Botanical Name
The botanical name for this shrub is called the Duranta Erecta.
The golden dewdrop or the golden Duranta is a perennial shrub, this plant with its yellow leaves and small purple flowers can really put on a show, what I love about the golden Duranta is its colorful leaves and flowers which means installing these garden beauties in your landscape and gardens will give you that constant color. As the bloom season passes for this garden beauty the leaves will continue to maintain its color of yellow until the next bloom season when a beautiful mass of tiny purple flowers reappears.
I have worked with these plants on a few garden projects which give that WOW. But be careful however because this perennial shrub has tiny prickles, if not handled with care can give a painful experience, how do I know because this was my experience on many occasions when working with them. What is also good to know is the golden Duranta attracts wildlife such as butterflies.
But how do we make this garden beauty a part of our landscape and spring garden? Keep reading to find out, trust me you will be amazed how simple golden dewdrop is easy to grow and maintain.
Things you must know
- Planting Location
- Soil Type
- Watering Methods
- Fertilizing Methods
- Garden insect pests of golden dewdrop
- Diseases of golden dewdrop
- Some ideas of where to install golden dewdrop
- Container grown golden dewdrop
Planting Location
The golden dewdrop or golden Duranta loves the sun so look for a sunny location to install these garden beauties this perennial shrub will also withstand partial shade.
Soil Type
The golden Duranta loves well-drain soil so preparing or adding organic matter to your existing soil will help to retain water but allow excess water to drain through.
Watering Methods
When watering ensure that the soil is moist then allow the soil to dry somewhat between watering before giving your dewdrop another drink of water.
Fertilizing Methods
When fertilizing this shrub it is good to use a slow or quick-release fertilizer. Before applying fertilizers read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law.
Garden insect pests of the golden dewdrop
There are a few garden insect pest of the golden dewdrop which are
- Whiteflies
- Mealybugs
- Spider mites
- Scales
These garden insect pests are known as sucking insects that suck the sap from the plant which can cause injury. These insect pests can be controlled with the use of insecticidal soap sprays or horticultural oil during the dormant season. When applying these chemicals follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law.
Diseases of the golden dewdrop
There is no major know disease of the golden dewdrop.
Care of the golden dewdrop during the fall and winter months
When caring for the golden dewdrop during the winter months discontinue pruning because pruning this time of the year will encourage or stimulate new growth which will cause the new growth to be killed. Pruning can be continued during the following spring. Keeping the soil somewhat moist will help your plants during this time also adding a three-inch layer of mulch will protect the roots from the winter frost.
Ideas of where to install the golden Duranta
- In your garden areas
- Near fences
- Alongside porches
- Alongside patios
- The golden dewdrop can be placed along driveways just keep them well pruned
- Can be installed in containers and placed near the entrance of doorways
- Golden dewdrops can be grown as a specimen plant.
Container grown golden dewdrop
A great way to grow these garden shrubs is from containers because during wintertime and other adverse conditions which may cause much damage the containers can be removed to a safer area. When growing golden dewdrops from containers install in a well-drained soil that holds water but will allow excess water to drain.
The container should have drain holes to allow water to drain through remember to place the containers in an area that gets full to partial sun, also place a saucer under the containers to catch excess water and empty the saucer as it fills.
A word of warning!
The golden dewdrop may give that WOW but a word of warning! the fruits of the golden dewdrop are said to be “poisonous” so it is good to install these plants in an area that children and pets have no access to.
The final word
The golden Duranta is an amazing plant that will give your garden and landscape color year-round so consider adding this garden beauty that will give that WOW taking your garden to the next level. Trust me you will glad that you installed these garden beauties.
Newsletter
Signup Today for Our Newsletter to Receive Up to Date Information on Herbs and Other Gardening News in the Industry.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.