Want blooms all summer for next to no work?
They’re a magnet forbutterflies.
Theres no flower that does a better job of attracting them.
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Native to tropical America, lantanas can grow as annuals or perennials, depending on where you live.
Tiny flowers in tight clusters that resemble miniature nosegays appear nearly continuously in warm weather.
Although some selections boast flowers in solid colors, many have bicolored clusters.
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It grows 4 to 5 feet high and wide and sports orange, red, or yellow flowers.
Trailing lantana(L. montevidensis)has thinner, more pliable stems and spreads, rather than mounding.
It grows about 1 foot tall and up to 6 feet wide with lavender or white flowers.
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Most lantanas sold today are hybrids or selections of these two species.
Where they overwinter, prune back hard in early spring to remove dead wood and encourage vigorous new growth.
Unpruned plants may become large, woody shrubs.
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Feed and water lightly, as too much fertilizer and water will reduce bloom.
Light
Lantana thrives in fullsun.
Plant this prolific bloomer in a sunny spot that will receive at least six hours of sunshine every day.
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It can tolerate some shade, but at the cost of reduced blooms.
Soil
Lantana does best in well-draining soil, because it wont tolerate excessive water.
Soil should be neutral to slightly acidic.
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Water
Keep newly planted lantana watered for the first few weeks while the plant is becoming established.
Temperature and Humidity
Lantana will grow well in Southern climates as long as it receives enough sunlight.
This plant originated in tropical heat and humidity and does best in similar environments.
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It also grows well near the shore.
Unfortunately, most nurseries sell lantanas by color, not by name.
Still, it’s worth looking for these specific types.
Removing the old growth prevents lantana from becoming a woody shrub.
Do not prune lantana in the fall.
If youre growing lantana as an annual, no pruning is necessary.
Propagating Lantana
Spring is the best time to propagate lantana cuttings.
Heres how to propagate lantana.
Fill small nursery pots with soilless growing medium, then moisten the medium with water.
Plant one or two seeds per pot and cover with 18 of the medium.
Set the pots in plastic bags and wrap up the bags to retain the moisture.
Keep the bag out of direct light during this time.
It might take a few weeks for a seedling to emerge.
When it does, remove the pot from the bag.
If both seeds emerge, cut the weaker seedling with scissors so the stronger seedling has a better chance.
Unpruned plants may become large, woody shrubs.
When grown in the shade, lantana is susceptible to powdery mildew.
How to Get Lantana to Bloom
Generally speaking, you wont have problems getting lantana to bloom.
Poor bloom can be caused if lantana isnt receiving enough sunshine or is fertilized too much.
It can also happen if the variety of lantana sets berries.
To increase flowering, trim the lantana back.
This will encourage new growth and blooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
No!
The fruit and leaves are toxic so do not ingest any part of the lantana plant.
A lantana garden is butterfly heaven; no flowers do a better job of attracting them.
Lantana is not recommended as an indoor plant.
It is best grown outdoors as a perennial or annual depending on the climate.
North Carolina State University.Lantana camara.
