Duranta, Day Lilies Are Lovely Floral Choices


April 19, 1998

Q What can you tell me about a bush called duranta? I have three growing beautifully, but I know nothing about maintenance.

A. If they are growing beautifully, keep doing what you're doing. The duranta comes in bush and tree (standard) form and has sky blue flowers from April to November followed by golden yellow fruit clusters. It can be shaped but doesn't demand a lot of care. The small evergreen tree usually is called golden dewdrop. Unpruned, it will reach 15 feet high. It should be fertilized lightly in February and October.

Q. I'd like to grow a perennial in full sun. What would you recommend?

A. My first choice would be the day lily (remerocallis). They come in a wide variety of colors - mostly in yellow and orange tones, and they grow well in any soil. They need water in the absence of natural rain and except for a few aphids in early spring don't require any special care. Buy them when they are in bloom to select the color you like.

Q. Our citrus tree, about four years old, has borne a bumper crop of oranges each year, but quite a few fall from the tree before they are ripe. What should I do?

A. The tree is producing more than it can handle and sheds the excess fruit. This kind of premature fruit drop is normal and nothing to worry about.

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