Squatters Gold Duranta

Squatters Gold Duranta (Duranta 'Squatters Gold') is a compact, golden foliaged shrub that grows 1m to 2m tall and wide and clips into a bright, dense medium hedge. It is a denser, tidier relative of Sheena's Gold that does better in humid gardens, and it handles dry spells once settled. Like Sheena's Gold it is grown for its foliage rather than its flowers, so use it where you want colour in a hedge that stays low and easy to keep.

Why you'll love it

• Golden foliage. The golden leaves light up a boundary or a border, and contrast well with green and burgundy plants.
• Compact and dense. At 1m to 2m it makes a medium hedge without the height of standard Sheena's Gold.
• Suited to humidity. It is the better golden duranta for humid locations, where taller types are less comfortable.
• Waterwise. Once established it needs little water and tolerates dry periods.
• Easy shaping. A trim about every three months keeps a tidy habit.

Where it works best

Medium hedges. Plant 70cm apart in a single row in full sun. Trimmed regularly, the plants close into a continuous golden hedge of 1m to 1.5m.

Layered borders. Plant it in front of taller screening such as murraya, or beside vibrant contrast foliage plants, for a layered effect.

Entries and boundaries. Low enough to leave views and light open, it works well at gates, driveways and front fences.

Growing Squatters Gold Duranta in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the densest, bushiest growth, and semi shade is tolerated with looser growth. It tolerates humidity and dry periods, so it suits tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and coastal Mediterranean gardens. It is frost tender: where winters regularly drop below zero, frost cuts it back, so choose a hardier hedge there. Durantas are regarded as environmental weeds in parts of Queensland, northern New South Wales and the Northern Territory, where birds spread the berries, so trim well if you back onto bushland.

Soil. Free draining soil suits it. A layer of mulch holds moisture and keeps weeds down.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks, or until it establishes. Fertilise in autumn and spring with a slow release fertiliser for shrubs. Established plants need little water.

Pruning. Tip prune young plants by about a third at planting to build a hedge that is furnished to the ground, then trim about every three months to keep a tidy shape. Regular trimming also limits flowers and the berries that follow, which are poisonous if eaten.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Squatters Gold Duranta as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tubes are the economical choice for a long hedge: plant, water in and tip prune lightly to build density. Expect new growth within weeks in warm weather.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse all hedging and screening plants
• Our best hedging plants
• Screening plants from 1m to 2m
• A duranta care guide for pruning and feeding

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

Plant 70cm apart in a single row. The plants close into a continuous line as they fill out, without crowding the bases.

How often do I trim it?

About every three months to keep the shape tidy and the growth dense. Light, regular clipping works better than one hard cut.

Is it safe for pets and children?

No. Duranta berries and leaves are poisonous if eaten, to people and pets alike. Regular trimming limits fruiting, but keep pets and small children away from any berries that form.