Celestial flower (Duranta erecta)

The Duranta erecta, also known as the celestial flower, is a plant belonging to the Verbenaceae family, which have about 20 species of characteristic shrubs. This plant originally comes from the tropical regions found in America.

This species of shrub is perfect for garden decoration, as it is an ornamental plant.

characteristics

The Duranta erecta is a long – term plant belonging to the species of shrubs, has very nice flowers bluish, while thicker part of its branches are usually covered with spines. They are plants that have quite different shapes, their height is between 2 and 5 meters, the crown is usually bulky and irregular with some branches with square shapes and rough stem.

The leaves are very resistant despite being somewhat simple and having an elliptical shape. As for the size, most of the time they are usually two centimeters in length and in turn a little acuminate. Each of these completely opposite, maintain slightly serrated margins.

When flowering occurs, large clusters with axillary or terminal flowers appear, which are produced in abundance. The flowering process usually occurs in the first dates of May until the arrival of the autumn season. The flowers are very small, reaching their maximum size of just two centimeters with purple hues. They generally maintain a flared shape and also have a very pleasant fragrance.

After flowering , small fruits appear, this usually happens in the autumn and winter seasons. These fruits are small in size and have a bulky shape. Its color is usually between orange and yellow, being its size similar to that of a chickpea, giving the plant a greater decorative interest than it normally has.

Growing and caring for Duranta erecta

The process of propagation or multiplication of this plant is usually in two ways, by cuttings and by seeds.

Cuttings

This method is recommended to be applied in the spring or summer season. Rooting hormones are often used during the process, because it makes the job easier. It is important that during the first stages of propagation by cuttings it is done under shade, in a preferably ventilated environment and with good light.

Seeds

It is essential that the seeds are clean and scarified with a fine and soft sandpaper. The soil must be somewhat cloudy and must first be mixed with approximately 20% of a mineral that has a laminar structure, such as vermiculite.

Ground

It is essential that it can drain properly, the Duranta erecta can adapt to different types of terrain.

illumination

It is essential that the plant is located where the sun gives it for better growth and care.

Irrigation

This plant does not require excess water, so it is important to water it only so that the soil remains moist.

Pruning

As the plant grows, so do its thorns, so it is important to use the right tools to prune it and also remove the dry branches.

Fertilizers

You can use any type of granular type fertilizer, preferably those of slow application.

Applications

As we already mentioned before, the Durante erecta is a quite showy plant that is used mainly as decoration. In gardens it can be placed in two different ways, the first to make hedges and the second can simply be placed individually or in groups thanks to its rounded shape. It can also be placed in pots large enough to be placed on a terrace.

Plagues and diseases

One of the advantages of this species of shrub is that it is not usually affected by the attack of pests that can cause serious damage. The only thing you have to take care of is the amount of water that is applied at the time of irrigation, being important that it is not in excess, since it could cause it to begin to rot.

Despite being a beautiful plant that fills the spaces where it is placed with color, this is a poisonous plant, so it is advisable to keep it out of the reach of children and pets, and under no circumstances should it be consumed.