Duranta Erecta: Why You Need This Heat-Resistant Tropical Plant In Your Life by Donna John

Living in Texas, I'm finding that the older I get, the less patience I have with plants who can't stand the heat. Even when you water outside plants everyday, in 100-plus temperatures, many are going to jump on the struggle bus.

My new favorite heat-resistant plant is Duranta erecta. Not only can this plant be ignored once established, but it blooms profusely and attracts bees, birds (especially hummingbirds) butterflies and moths. My dad is always amazed at how many bees are buzzing around my Duranta erecta plant. A gardening win-win.

Duranta erecta, also called sky flower, golden dewdrop and pigeon berry, is a member of the verbena family and is native to Florida, Brazil and the West Indies. Depending on what region you're in, the plant can grow outside and also inside. The tropical semi-weeping plant dies back in the winter in colder climates. Mine is cut to the ground every year after it dies back, and in springtime quickly grows back and starts blooming. In regions where it doesn't die back, the plant can grow up to 20-plus feet. During a mild winter, mine got about 6 feet tall.

The tropical plant stays interesting even after the blooms, which come in white and purple varieties, drop off because they form small berries. One thing to know is that the berries are toxic to dogs and humans. My dog has no interest in them, so I don't worry about it, but do keep them swept up once they start falling off.

I've developed such a fondness for this plant that I now have one in a pot and recently planted another in the ground where some blue plumbago did not survive the winter. Both are thriving.

If you're interested in planting this beautiful flowering plant in your yard or in a container, here are some things you need to know:

• It loves full sun and well-drained soil, but it will tolerate some shade.

• It is very heat resistant once established. Water frequently if in a hot climate after planting.

• Duranta erecta is gorgeous in flower beds, as a hedge and in containers.
  

• To control the size of your plant in hardy zones, you will need to prune it.

• Propagation is easily done with root cuttings. Use rooting powder and plant in loose potting soil. Keep it moist until roots begin to grow. 

• The plant does not require supplement fertilization.

Fun Fact: Duranta erecta is considered invasive in many Pacific islands.

What's your favorite heat-resistant plant? Tell us in the comments section below.

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