Knowledgebase
Is Duranta an annual or a perennial? #209277
Asked August 27, 2014, 12:28 PM EDT
Is a plant called Duranta (with purple flower) an annual, perennial, or tender perennial in the Eastern Kentucky area?
Floyd County Kentucky
Expert Response
There are several species of Duranta, all native to subtropical and tropical areas of North and South America, where they grow as shrubs to small trees. The most common species in ornamental cultivation is Duranta erecta, commonly known as skyflower, pigeon berry, and golden dewdrops. It is native to the US in parts of California, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Puerto Rico. I would not expect these species, including D. erecta, to overwinter in Kentucky, so I would consider them tender perennials. This is probably a good thing because Duranta is invasive in several tropical to subtropical areas where it has been introduced as an ornamental. Its lack of winter hardiness should prevent that from happening in Kentucky.
