pigeon berry

Duranta erecta 'Cuban Gold' (also know as Pigeon Berry) requires frequent watering but not too much. It should be watered when the soil becomes dry to about an inch below the surface. During the active growing season between the spring and fall months, Duranta erecta 'Cuban Gold' should be watered once a week. During the warmer summer months, it may require more frequent watering. However, take care to ensure that the soil is not overly saturated as it could lead to root rot. In the cooler winter months, frequency of watering should be reduced, and soil should be allowed to dry out more before watering. One way to check if it needs water is to push your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle; if it feels dry, then it is time to water.

Pigeon berry (Duranta erecta 'Cuban Gold') plants prefer to receive full sunlight for at least 5 to 8 hours of the day in order to grow optimally. If planted in a location with partial shade, make sure the plant has access to at least several hours of direct sunlight per day. This plant typically does best in regions with strong, direct sunlight in the morning and then indirect light in the afternoon when temperatures and light intensity can be more extreme.

Pruning for pigeon berry can be done at least once or twice a year to shape this evergreen shrub, to increase flowering and to manage size. The best time for pruning pigeon berry is in late spring after flowering is finished. Prune back any stems that have grown too long by cutting the stem back close to the main branch. Cutting the top of the long stems will encourage bushier growth as the plant redirects its energy toward forming new stems. Pigeon berry may also be lightly pruned in fall before frost to thin out overcrowded and overgrown areas. It may also be pruned just before the blooming cycle to expose the dormant flower buds and encourage more blossoms.