Duranta erecta
Light: Full sun to partial shade; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in Phoenix, especially away from reflected heat.
Water: Moderate water; irrigate deeply, then let the upper few inches of soil dry. Water more frequently during extreme summer heat and establishment; reduce watering in winter.
Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with compost; tolerates sandy or loamy soil but struggles in waterlogged clay. Mulch the root zone, keeping mulch away from the trunk.
Mature size: Typically 8–15 feet tall and 6–10 feet wide; frost and pruning often keep it smaller in Phoenix.
Bloom: Late spring through fall, often in repeated flushes; flowering may slow during extreme heat or cold.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in frost-free conditions; may lose leaves or die back during Zone 9b freezes.
Growth rate: Fast with warmth, adequate water, and suitable soil.