DURANTA repens (=D. erecta = D. ellisia)

Vigorous bush up to 5 meters tall with arched or erect branches and ovate bright green leaves with lightly toothed margins. In late spring, it dresses up with small blue-violet flowers, gathered in hanging inflorescences making the plant decorated till the end of summer. Then, in autumn-winter, numerous and shiny orange berries, gathered in small hanging clusters, take the place of the flowers. It seems ideal to create big flowered bushes associated with other bushy species or hedges, but because of its great forcefulness it's better to put it in large spaces where its best ornamental result can be appreciated. It can be cultivated even in coastal gardens if protected from salty winds, as well as in pots.

In the open ground this plant tolerates drought, even if it doesn't reject some irrigations in the warmest periods. Before of the vegetative growth it can be pruned, even strongly, and in the same period fertilization could improve the next blooming. In sunny positions, blooming is richer and most prolonged. In winter, protect this plant from cold winds and place it in drained soils.