Duranta erecta ‘Sapphire Showers’ (‘Sweet Memory’)
Sapphire Showers Duranta
Evergreen-Deciduous | Evergreen |
---|---|
Overall Mature Size | Large |
Mature Height & Spread | 15-25' x 8-12' |
Exposure | Full sun |
Water | Medium Water |
Flower Color | Violet, Blue |
Bloom Time | Spring, Summer |
Special Features | Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Coastal Conditions, Hedge, Screen |
Container Sizes | #1, #2, #5, #15 |
Natural Growth Habit | Upright |
Sunset Garden Zones | 13, 16, 17-24, H1, H2 |
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone | 8B-11 |
Plant Type | Shrub |
Duranta erecta ‘Sapphire Showers’ (‘Sweet Memory’) is grown for its summer flowers and ornamental fruit. Some refer to it as Pigeon Berry because the fruit is more compact. ‘Sapphire Showers’ can grow in an arching form to 15-25 ft. tall and 8-12 ft. wide. In late spring and summer there are cascading clusters of tubular flowers are an intense violet-blue with a white edge along the flared tips. As with other duranta species the flowers are followed by contrasting orange-yellow berries. In milder climates like Southern Californnia ‘Sapphire Showers’can flower almost all year with flowers and fruit appearing at the same time. It does best in full sun with frequent deep watering. It is a good choice for espaliers as a small tree or large bush. All the forms of duranta repens benefit from frequent selective pruning. The flowers are very attractive to butterflies.