Celestial flower (Duranta erecta)

La erect also known as celestial flower, It is a plant belonging to the Verbenaceae family, which have about 20 species of characteristic shrubs. This plant originally comes from the tropical regions found in America.

This species of shrub is perfect for garden decoration, as it is an ornamental plant.

Features

La erect It is a long-lasting plant that belongs to the species of the shrubs, it has very beautiful flowers of a bluish tone, while the thickest part of its branches are usually covered by thorns. They are plants that have quite diverse forms, Its height is between 2 and 5 meters, the crown is usually bulky and irregular with some branches with square shapes and rough stem.

The leaves are very resistant despite being somewhat simple and having an elliptical shape. As for the size, most of the time they are usually two centimeters in length and at the same time a little acuminate. Each of these completely opposite, maintain slightly serrated margins.

When flowering occurs, large racemes with axillary flowers or in their terminal difference are presented that are produced in abundance. The flowering process usually occurs in the first dates of May until the arrival of the autumn season. The flowers are very small, reaching their maximum size of just two centimeters with purple hues. As usual maintain a flared shape and they also have a very pleasant fragrance.

After flowering small fruits are presentedThis usually happens in the fall and winter seasons. These fruits are small in size and have a bulky shape. Its color is usually between orange and yellow, being its size similar to that of a chickpea, giving the plant a greater decorative interest than it normally has.

Growing and caring for Duranta erecta

The propagation or multiplication process of this plant is usually in two ways, for cuttings and by seeds.

Cuttings

This method is recommended to apply it in the spring season or in the summer. During the process they are usually used hormones for rooting, because it makes the job simpler. It is important that during the first stages of propagation by cuttings it is done under shade, in a preferably ventilated environment and with good light.

Seeds

It is essential that the seeds are clean and scarified with a fine and soft sandpaper. The ground must be somewhat cloudy and first it must be mixed with approximately 20% of a mineral that has a laminar structure, such as vermiculite.

Land

Es essential that it can drain properly, erect a can be adapted to different types of terrain.

Lighting design

Es It is essential that the plant is located where the sun hits it for better growth and care.

Irrigation

This plant does not require excess water, so it is important to water it only so that the soil remains moist.

Pruning

As the plant grows, so do its spines, so it's important to use the right tools to prune it and also remove the dry branches.

Fertilizers

Can be done use of any type of granular type fertilizer, preferably, those of slow application.

Uses

As we mentioned earlier, the During erect it is a quite showy plant that is used mainly as decoration. In gardens it can be placed in two different ways, the first to make hedges and the second simply can be placed individually or in a group thanks to its rounded bearing. Also can be placed in sufficiently large pots as to place them on a terrace.

Plagues and diseases

One of the advantages of this species of shrub is that it is not usually affected by the attack of pests that can cause serious damage. The only thing to watch out for is the amount of water that is applied at the time of watering, being important that it is not in excess, since it could cause it to begin to rot.

Despite being a beautiful plant that fills the spaces where it is placed with color, this is a poisonous plantTherefore it is advisable to keep it out of the reach of children and also of pets, and under no circumstances should it be consumed.