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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 90 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Geisha Girl Duranta performs well with relatively little water once established. A light spring feed is usually enough to maintain steady growth. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
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. Expect a low maintenance care workload once it is established.
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 easier irrigation and care, group Geisha Girl Duranta with species that also favour happy on low water and subtropical climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out.
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. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
