Golden Dewdrop

If you’re looking for a Florida-Friendly shrub with colorful foliage and great wildlife value, try Duranta erecta, also called Golden Dewdrop or Skyflower. Readily available at just about any nursery, Golden Dewdrop is easy to grow and needs little maintenance.

Duranta is native to Central and South America, along with the West Indies. It grows wild in some areas of South Florida, but it not considered to be invasive. It likes full sun (but will tolerate part shade, especially in the afternoon) and regular water, though it rarely needs supplemental water in the cooler, drier months. This sprawling shrub can grow to 20 feet tall and wide, but it easy to prune if you prefer a smaller size and shape.
 
Depending on the cultivar, the flowers are either purple or white, and grow in long clusters that bloom pretty much year-round and attract plenty of butterflies. The flowers are followed by pretty orange berries, which are toxic to humans but beloved by birds and other wildlife. (Due to the potential danger, avoid planting where children play.)
One of the most popular cultivars of Duranta is known as ‘Cuban Gold’, for the color of the young foliage. As the leaves age, they darken to a pretty green. Duranta is hardy in zones 9 – 11 and can be affected by freezing weather. Take time to cover small shrubs if the temperatures dip below freezing, and simply prune any frost damage from larger shrubs once the weather warms up again.