File:Pigeon Berry (460075619).jpg

Common name: Sky flower, Golden Dew Drop, Pigeon Berry

Botanical name: Duranta erecta - [ (door-AN-tuh) named for Castore Durante, 16th century botanist and papal physician to Sixtus V; (ee-RECK-tuh) erect, upright ] Synonyms: Duranta plumieri • Duranta repens Family: Verbenaceae (verbena family) - [ (ver-be-NAY-see-ay) the Verbena (vervain) family ]

Origin: Tropical America

The popular name of this large erect shrub is inspired by the clusters of bright orange-yellow berries that follow the flowers, in such quantities that they often cause the slender branches to droop gracefully. The lavender-blue or white flowers appear in loose clusters, and both berries and blossoms are often seen on a plant.

Flowers have a mild sweet vanilla-like smell. There is also a form with variegated leaves, as well as one with bright yellow leaves; these do not bloom so profusely and are usually grown primarily for their foliage.

Duranta requires frequent pruning to make a bushy plant, especially when used as a hedge, and needs full sun to bloom well. Bringing the potted garden a unique burst of color and form, this amazing cultivar surpasses the standard lavender cultivar in brightness and intensity.

Use as a basket plant, a mounding bush or train into a standard, this plant will give the color deep purple new meaning. As free flower as any Duranta it covers itself in dripping chains of bloom. Each petal in the flower is defined by a light lavender border and marked by a white eye. A stunning sun lover that will bring months of gorgeous color to any garden, sunroom or conservatory.

Courtesy: - Flowers of India - TopTropicals - Dave's Garden