Species

Duranta erectaGolden Dewdrop

3 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Golden Dewdrop

Duranta erecta 'Sheena's Gold'

The Story

Plant Bio

Duranta erecta is a fast-growing, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub native to the warm regions of the Americas, from Florida through the Caribbean and South America. The species features small, oval leaves and produces terminal clusters of tubular lavender-blue flowers followed by yellow-orange berries.

'Sheena's Gold' is distinguished by its intense golden-yellow to chartreuse foliage when grown in full sun, which shifts to lime-green in partial shade. In colder climates, the leaves develop a distinct purple-to-black flush during the winter months.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking, year-round golden-yellow foliage that contrasts sharply with dark green plants, along with delicate lavender flowers.

Highly tolerant of heavy shearing, making it excellent for formal hedges, topiary, and wind-resistant coastal plantings.

Flowers attract butterflies, bumblebees, and hummingbirds, while the yellow berries provide food for local bird species.

SpeciesDuranta erectaGolden Dewdrop

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

71"

Width

59"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Americas

Toxicity

Highly Toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with well-drained soil, as shade reduces the golden foliage color.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to ensure rapid drainage.
Set the plant at the same depth it was growing in the container, backfill, and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer at planting and water regularly during the first growing season to establish the root system.

Pro Tip

Place this cultivar in full sun to maintain the bright golden foliage color, as even partial shade causes the leaves to revert to lime-green and the growth habit to open up. Securely stake topiary standards, as the older wood becomes brittle and susceptible to snapping under the weight of a heavy head.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune regularly during the active growing season to maintain a dense, compact shape.
Grow in full sun to maximize the golden-yellow foliage coloration.
Provide sharp soil drainage to prevent root rot pathogens.

Don't

Do not cut back into old, leafless, dead wood, as inner stems lack active bud nodes for recovery.
Do not allow the soil to remain waterlogged or sit in standing water.
Do not plant near livestock pastures or pet areas due to high plant toxicity.

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

Formal hedgesTopiary standardsAccent plantsContainer specimens

Companion Plants

Salvia leucantha Plumbago auriculata Canna indica

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 spring through summer. 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 (6+ hours).

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.