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!