Duranta mutisii Plant Care
Duranta mutisii L.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Duranta mutisii, commonly known as espino in Spanish, is a shrub of the family Verbenaceae that is found in South America.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Duranta mutisii?
Plant Duranta mutisii in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Duranta mutisii Native To?
What Is the Duranta mutisii?
Duranta mutisii (Duranta mutisii) belongs to the Verbenaceae family within the Duranta genus. Duranta mutisii is native to South America.
Duranta mutisii displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Duranta mutisii produces clusters of small, tubular purple or blue flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Duranta mutisii?
Water a young or newly planted Duranta mutisii every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Duranta mutisii Need?
Duranta mutisii thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Duranta mutisii Prefer?
Duranta mutisii tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Duranta mutisii prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Duranta mutisii?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Duranta mutisii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Duranta mutisii?
Feed Duranta mutisii every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Duranta mutisii?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Duranta mutisii is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Duranta mutisii?
Duranta mutisii can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Duranta mutisii?
Prune Duranta mutisii while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Duranta mutisii in Winter?
Duranta mutisii is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Duranta mutisii?
Duranta mutisii can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to golden dewdrop plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Duranta mutisii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Duranta mutisii, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Duranta mutisii?
Duranta mutisii is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Duranta mutisii Need?
Duranta mutisii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Duranta mutisii is native to South America. In cooler regions, grow Duranta mutisii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Duranta mutisii is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Duranta genus — compare its care with other Duranta species on PlantoScan.
Duranta is part of the Verbenaceae plant family — browse all Verbenaceae genera and species.
Duranta mutisii thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Duranta mutisii L.f., family Verbenaceae (first published in Suppl. Pl. : 291 (1782)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Duranta mutisii, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
