Sapphire Showers Duranta
- **Type**: Evergreen shrub (in warm climates) or tender perennial (in cooler zones)
- **Height**: 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) as a bush; can reach 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters) if unpruned or trained as a small tree
- **Width**: 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters)
- **Growth Habit**: Upright, spreading, with a weeping or arching form; can be pruned to stay compact
- **Foliage**:
- Dark green, oval to lance-shaped leaves, 1 to 3 inches long (2.5 to 7.5 cm)
- Glossy texture, evergreen in frost-free areas; may drop in cold winters
- **Flowers**:
- Clusters of tubular, deep violet-blue to purple blooms with white picotee edges
- Each flower about 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) across
- Bloom season: Spring to fall (April to October), nearly year-round in mild climates
- Lightly fragrant (vanilla-like), attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
- **Fruit**:
- Small, golden-orange berries, about 0.25 to 0.5 inches (6 to 13 mm)
- Appears after flowering, toxic to humans and pets but attracts birds
- **Light**: Full sun (6+ hours daily) for best flowering and color; tolerates partial shade (may reduce blooms)
- **Soil**:
- Well-drained, fertile; adapts to sandy or loamy soils
- Slightly acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.5)
- **Watering**: Moderate; keep soil moist but not soggy, drought-tolerant once established
- **Hardiness**: USDA Zones 9 to 11 (20°F or -6°C; may regrow from roots in Zone 9 with protection)
- **Wildlife**: Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds; not deer-resistant
- **Care**:
- Prune after flowering (late summer/early fall) to shape or encourage bushiness
- Fertilize lightly with a balanced mix (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring and summer
- Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot
- **Pests/Diseases**:
- May attract whiteflies, aphids, or spider mites
- Susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions
- **Uses**: Accent plant, hedge, screen, container, or trained as a small tree
- **Growth Rate**: Moderate to fast; can grow 1 to 2 feet per year with good care
- **Special Features**:
- Vibrant purple flowers with white edges create a cascading “shower” effect
- Heat and drought tolerant once established
- Berries add ornamental interest but require caution around pets and kids
The Sapphire Showers Duranta Bush’s stunning purple blooms and lush foliage make it a tropical gem for sunny gardens or patios, offering versatility and pollinator appeal with minimal upkeep once settled. Let me know if you’d like more care tips or design ideas!