This information is provided as a free service to viewers. We do not sell these plants.
Overview
A bushy evergreen shrub with pendulous branches, pale green foliage and deep blue flowers with white centres that are held at the ends of the weeping branches.
Soil: Fertile, well drained soil preferred but will adapt to almost any position. Can withstand drought.
Maintenance: A vigorous pruning after flowering has finished for the season will promote bushy growth and a fuller flush of flowers next time round.
Diseases: Sometimes troubled by whiteflies
Invasiveness: This can be an environmental weed in some areas, so check with local sources to see if this is the case in your area.
'Geisha Girl' is hardier than the species, and seems not to be as weedy.
Toxicity: It has been known since the late 19th century that he leaves and particularly the berries of the plant are toxic and can be dangerous to children, dogs and cats.
Symptoms of Duranta poisoning include upset stomach, drowsiness, nausea, fever, vomiting and possibly convulsions.
No warning of its potentially lethal toxicity is included on its plant labels or publicised by plant nurseries.
Other Species: 10 species in the Duranta genus - although 'Elissia' is not a separate species, just a variation on 'Repens'
Comments: Named after Castor Durantes - a Roman physician and botanist.
Author: Bob Saunders.