Family: Verbenaceae
Common Name: Sky Flower

This genus of around 30 species of evergreen trees and shrubs, with long racemes or panicles of small flowers and very attractive fruits, is native mainly to South America and the Caribbean.

Species

D. erecta (Synonym: D. repens), golden dew-drop, pigeon berry or golden tears, is the most commonly grown of the species. This attrac­tive, weeping, open shrub, with glossy, green, oval leaves, grows to 3 m (10 ft) high, and is often used as a screen plant. Abundant sprays of blue flowers appear through summer, fol­lowed by a profusion of bright yellow berries over a long period. All varieties of D. erecta do well in dry conditions once established. They make attractive hedges and can be trained as standards.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, grow in an intermediate greenhouse or conservatory, or in pots of soil-based potting compost, with good light but shade from strong sun. Plants can be pruned in winter to contain growth. Outdoors, grow in full sun. Some species make good screens or hedges. Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, providing basal warmth.

Climate

Zone 10, but zone 9 for D. erecta.