Species

Duranta erectaGolden Dewdrop

3 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Golden Dewdrop

Duranta erecta 'Aurea'

The Story

Plant Bio

Duranta erecta is a sprawling, mounding evergreen shrub native to the tropical and subtropical Americas, where it can reach up to eighteen feet tall if left unpruned. The species features small, opposite ovate leaves and terminal racemes of light blue, violet, or white flowers followed by yellow-orange berries.

'Aurea' is a compact foliage selection grown for its striking, bright chartreuse to golden-yellow leaves. This cultivar reaches two to four feet in height and width, producing flowers and berries far more sparsely than the wild-type species.

Uses & Benefits:

Striking chartreuse to golden-yellow foliage that provides strong color contrast in borders and containers.

Highly drought-tolerant once established and possesses moderate to high tolerance for coastal salt spray.

Flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, while the dense growth provides shelter for small garden wildlife.

SpeciesDuranta erectaGolden Dewdrop

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Americas

Toxicity

High

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a location with full sun to partial shade, opting for afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent foliage scorch.
Ensure the soil is well-drained, though the plant adapts to clay, loam, or sandy textures once established.
Water regularly until established, after which the shrub exhibits high drought tolerance.
Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in spring to support foliage growth without over-fertilizing.

Pro Tip

Avoid heavy cutting into old, leafless woody stems where re-sprouting is poor; instead, shear the outer foliage regularly during spring and summer to maintain a tight, dense mounding form.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Shear back the outer growth regularly during the active spring and summer growing seasons.
Provide partial shade in hot regions to protect the bright golden leaves from scorching.
Insulate the root zone with mulch in USDA Zone 9 to help the plant recover if frost kills the top growth.

Don't

Do not cut heavily into old, completely leafless woody stems.
Do not over-fertilize, which washes out the bright golden color into a dull green.
Do not plant where children, pets, or livestock can access the toxic leaves and berries.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Accent plantContainer specimenLow hedgeBorder edging

Companion Plants

Abelia grandiflora Salvia Lantana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Golden Dewdrop questions

What zones can Golden Dewdrop grow in?

Golden Dewdrop is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Golden Dewdrop bloom?

Golden Dewdrop typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Golden Dewdrop need full sun?

Golden Dewdrop does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Golden Dewdrop drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Golden Dewdrop handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.