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How to Grow Golden Princess

Golden Princess

Duranta erecta 'Golden Princess'

shrub

Golden Princess is a compact, evergreen shrub cultivar known for its stunning golden-yellow foliage that intensifies in color during cooler months. It produces delicate lavender-blue flowers followed by small golden berries, making it an ornamental powerhouse. This dwarf variety is perfect for containers, borders, and tropical landscapes.

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Example Golden Princess timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Golden Princess

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Golden Princess

    Around Apr 21

    ≈ 4 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Golden Princess dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6-8 hours of sunlight daily produces best color
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Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water more frequently during hot, dry periods. Reduce watering in winter. Tolerates brief dry spells once established.
📏
Spacing: 24 inches
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Days to maturity: Variable; ornamental impact visible within 4-6 weeks of planting
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Planting depth: Same depth as root ball when transplanting; seeds should be surface-sown or lightly covered

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile loamy soil
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Compost Peat moss Perlite for drainage Balanced slow-release fertilizer

Growing Zones

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Thrives in USDA zones 10-11; can be grown as an annual or in containers in cooler zones

10 11

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling/Transplant

4-6 weeks

Young plants develop initial leaves with emerging golden coloration. Growth is modest but steady.

Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright, indirect light indoors. Begin light feeding every 2-3 weeks once established. Protect from cold drafts.

2

Vegetative Growth

8-12 weeks

Compact branching habit develops; golden foliage becomes more pronounced. Plant fills out and becomes bushier.

Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly. Ensure full sun exposure for optimal golden coloration. Water regularly.

3

Flowering

8-16 weeks (can repeat cyclically)

Delicate lavender-blue, star-shaped flowers appear in terminal clusters against the golden foliage.

Maintain consistent moisture and feeding schedule. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Provide full sun for best flower production.

4

Fruiting

Ongoing through season

Small, golden-yellow berries develop where flowers were; ornamental appeal extends throughout the season.

Continue regular watering and feeding. Berries can persist for extended periods. Prune lightly to maintain shape if desired.

5

Dormancy/Winter

2-4 months

In cooler zones or cold months, growth slows significantly. Foliage color may intensify.

Reduce watering but don't allow soil to dry completely. Move container plants indoors in zone 9 or cooler. Avoid fertilizing during winter dormancy.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lantana Salvia Pentas Angelonia Mandevilla Begonias Caladiums

Avoid planting near:

Walnut trees (juglone sensitivity) Allelopathic plants

Common Pests

  • Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects; reflective mulches can deter

  • Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs; apply insecticidal soap; horticultural oil sprays

  • Increase humidity; spray with water forcefully; use miticide if severe; neem oil applications

  • Prune affected branches; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil; manual removal of visible scales

Uses

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Ornamental Landscaping & Containers

Household

Golden Princess excels as a specimen plant in containers, borders, and tropical gardens. Its compact size and year-round golden foliage make it ideal for patios, entryways, and mixed containers. [source]

🎨

Cut Flower & Dried Arrangements

Craft

The delicate lavender flowers and golden berries are excellent for fresh and dried floral arrangements. Branches with berries add long-lasting interest to displays. [source]

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Pollinator & Bird Garden

Wildlife

The lavender flowers attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, while the berries provide food for birds and other wildlife. It creates a vibrant ecosystem in garden spaces. [source]

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Tropical & Mediterranean Garden Design

Household

Golden Princess thrives as a statement plant in warm-climate gardens, bringing Mediterranean or tropical aesthetics to landscapes. Works beautifully in xeriscaping designs in appropriate zones. [source]

Harvest Tips

Golden Princess is an ornamental shrub; 'harvesting' involves pruning for shape and removing berries if desired. Prune in early spring to maintain compact form. Cut flowers can be used in arrangements and last several days in a vase. Berries can be collected for dried arrangements but are toxic if ingested.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Golden Princess is a cultivar of Duranta erecta, also called 'Golden Dewdrop' or 'Pigeon Berry,' which is native to Central and South America.
  • 🌱 The plant's berries are toxic if ingested in quantity by humans and pets, though birds can consume them safely.
  • 🌱 The golden foliage color intensifies in cooler temperatures and bright light, making fall and winter particularly stunning in zones where it experiences seasonal variation.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Partial Shade Pinch Back
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