A fast warm-climate shrub bearing sprays of two-tone purple-and-white flowers followed by golden berry clusters. Popular as a colourful clipped hedge; the berries and leaves are toxic if eaten.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 2 m H × 1.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Geisha Girl Duranta
Botanically, Duranta erecta 'Geisha Girl' is a fast-growing shrub in the Verbenaceae family. It reaches around 2 m tall and 1.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Purple and blue flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Geisha Girl Duranta
Geisha Girl Duranta suits subtropical, tropical and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Geisha Girl Duranta does best in free-draining and loamy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 90 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Geisha Girl Duranta is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Geisha Girl Duranta after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Geisha Girl Duranta in the garden
Geisha Girl Duranta earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, attracting butterflies, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Geisha Girl Duranta with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and subtropical climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew. All parts can be toxic if eaten, so keep it away from small children.
Buying Geisha Girl Duranta
Plant Sale lists Geisha Girl Duranta as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.