How do you grow chocolate flower so it thrives?

Chocolate flower is another name for golden dewdrop (Duranta repens), named because its flowers have a sweet chocolate scent, so how do you grow chocolate flower? Let's take a look.

1. What is chocolate flower?

Chocolate flower, also called lace golden dew, is a plant in the genus Duranta in the verbena family, native to tropical America and the Caribbean region, and is now widely grown in China for container growing and courtyard planting.

Chocolate flower is an evergreen shrub and is fairly easy to grow; it generally grows normally when planted in a spot with sufficient light, but chocolate flower is not tolerant of strong sun, so it is best not to place it in direct sunlight.

The leaves of chocolate flower are long oval and opposite; the flowers form racemes, pale purple or white, hanging down in strings; the ripe fruit is bright yellow, clustered in strings.

However, the fruit of chocolate flower is poisonous, so it is best not to eat it; eating it can cause diarrhea and fever, and in severe cases even convulsions.

2. How do you grow chocolate flower?

1. Light: chocolate flower, also called lace golden dew, likes a sunny and warm environment, so place it in a spot with scattered light, and pay attention to keeping it warm when the temperature drops;

2. Soil: choose soil with good air permeability and drainage for planting to prevent waterlogging;

3. Fertilizing: just spray the leaves with a balanced slow-release fertilizer;

4. Watering: water the soil thoroughly and keep the soil moist; if grown in a container, generally water once every 2-3 days.

Growing chocolate flower is not difficult; if you want to give it a try, you can buy it online or from your local flower and bird market.