You’ve seen them at the local nursery. They have those cascading clusters of electric purple flowers and tiny golden berries that look like jewels. Usually, they're labeled as a forget me not tree. But here’s the thing: nature doesn’t actually make a "forget-me-not" tree.
The true Myosotis—the dainty little blue flower everyone associates with the name—is a low-growing herb. It’s tiny. It hugs the ground. It definitely doesn't grow a trunk. What you are likely looking at is actually Duranta erecta, often called Sky Flower, Pigeon Berry, or Golden Dewdrop.
It's a bit of a marketing trick, honestly. Nurseries use the "forget me not" name because it evokes nostalgia and sells plants. But if you try to grow a Duranta like a standard woodland perennial, you’re going to kill it. They are completely different beasts.
Why the Forget Me Not Tree Isn't What It Seems
Most people walk into a garden center looking for something that reminds them of their grandmother's garden. They see the forget me not tree and think they’ve found a miracle of breeding. In reality, Duranta erecta is a tropical shrub native to Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. It’s tough. It’s woody. It can reach 15 feet tall if you let it go wild.
The confusion stems from the color. That specific, piercing violet-blue with a white center mimics the classic Myosotis palette. But while the little groundcover likes shade and cool dampness, the tree version is a sun-worshipper. If you put a Duranta in the deep shade where true forget-me-nots thrive, it will get leggy, stop flowering, and basically pout until it dies.
The Botanical Breakdown
Let's look at the "Sapphire Showers" cultivar. This is the one most commonly trained into a standard (a plant grown with a single clear trunk to look like a tree).
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- The Foliage: Unlike the soft, hairy leaves of the herb, these are glossy, serrated, and bright green.
- The Flowers: They hang in "racemes." Imagine a grapevine, but instead of grapes, you have dozens of small, trumpet-shaped blossoms.
- The Fruit: After the flowers fade, you get yellow-orange berries. They look delicious. Do not eat them. They are toxic to humans and most pets, though birds love them.
Growing Secrets Most Big-Box Stores Skip
You bought one. Now what?
The biggest mistake is overwatering in heavy soil. These plants hate "wet feet." If the roots sit in water, the leaves turn yellow and drop faster than you can say "botanical misnomer." You need drainage. If your soil is clay, grow it in a pot. Honestly, Duranta makes an incredible container plant because you can control the moisture perfectly.
They are also heavy feeders. You’ll hear some gardeners say you don't need to fertilize native plants, but remember—this isn't a native for most of us. It’s a tropical athlete. During the growing season, hit it with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. If you want those deep purple "Sapphire" colors to really pop, a bit of extra potassium doesn't hurt.
Temperature is the Dealbreaker
Check your USDA zone. If you are below Zone 9b, your forget me not tree is not a permanent outdoor resident. It will melt in a hard frost. I’ve seen people in Ohio plant these in the ground in May and wonder why they don't come back in April. They won't.
If you live in a cold climate, you have to bring it inside. But fair warning: Duranta is a magnet for spider mites when the indoor air gets dry. You’ll need a humidifier or a regular misting schedule to keep the pests at bay while it overwintering.
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The Maintenance Paradox: Pruning and Shape
Because these are naturally sprawling shrubs, keeping them in "tree" form requires a bit of discipline. You’ll see "suckers" (small shoots) popping up from the base of the trunk. Snip them. Immediately. You want the plant's energy going to the canopy, not into turning back into a bush.
Wait until late winter or early spring to do your heavy pruning. Duranta blooms on new wood. If you shear it at the wrong time, you’re literally cutting off this year’s flower show. Think of it like a crepe myrtle or a rose; you want to encourage fresh growth to get the best color.
Interestingly, the plant actually has small spines. They aren't as aggressive as a bougainvillea, but they’re there. Wear gloves. Especially if you’re reaching into the center of a mature specimen to thin out dead wood. Your forearms will thank you.
Toxicity and Wildlife: The Trade-off
The forget me not tree is a bit of a polarizing figure in the ecological world. In places like Florida and parts of Australia, Duranta erecta is actually considered an invasive species. It spreads because birds eat the berries and "deposit" the seeds elsewhere.
If you live in a sensitive ecosystem, you might want to consider a sterile cultivar or just be diligent about deadheading the spent flowers before they turn into berries.
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On the flip side, butterflies go absolutely nuts for this plant. If you want a pollinator garden, it’s a powerhouse. Giant Swallowtails and Long-tailed Skippers are frequent visitors. It provides high-quality nectar during the heat of the summer when other plants might be flagging.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
If your tree looks thin, it’s usually one of three things:
- Light: It needs at least 6 hours of direct sun. Not "bright light." Not "dappled shade." Direct, hot sun.
- Nutrition: If the leaves are pale, it’s hungry for nitrogen.
- Pests: Flip the leaves over. See tiny webs? Spider mites. See white fluffy dots? Mealybugs. Treat with neem oil or an insecticidal soap, but do it in the evening so the sun doesn't cook the leaves while they're oily.
Actionable Steps for Success
Ready to add one to your landscape? Follow this checklist to ensure your forget me not tree actually thrives instead of just surviving for a month.
- Verify the Identity: Check the tag for Duranta erecta. If it says Myosotis, it’s the groundcover, not the tree.
- Potting Mix Matters: Use a high-quality potting soil mixed with about 20% perlite or coarse sand to ensure the drainage is fast enough.
- The "Finger Test": Don't water on a schedule. Stick your finger two inches into the soil. If it’s dry, water. If it’s damp, walk away.
- Prune for Airflow: Every spring, remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. This prevents disease and keeps the "tree" silhouette clean.
- Safety First: Keep the plant away from areas where toddlers or curious dogs might be tempted by the orange berries.
This plant is a showstopper, provided you treat it like the tropical shrub it is rather than the delicate woodland flower its name suggests. Get the sun right, keep the shears sharp, and you’ll have a literal fountain of purple flowers all summer long.