This section highlights the general benefits of Lantana, with notes for specific types.
Key Considerations and Differences to Highlight:
Invasiveness Warning:
Light: Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day) is essential for best flowering.
Soil: Well-drained soil is crucial. Lantana does not tolerate wet feet. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is preferred.
Water: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, Lantana is very drought-tolerant but will bloom best with occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. Avoid overwatering.
Planting:
Fertilizing: Light feeding in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can promote vigorous growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, especially with nitrogen, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning:
Propagation:
Winter Care:
Pests and Diseases: Generally, pest and disease resistant. Spider mites, whiteflies, and lace bugs can sometimes be a problem, especially in hot, dry conditions. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used for control.
Container Growing: Lantana is excellent for containers. Choose a pot with drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix. Container-grown plants may need more frequent watering than those in the ground.
Lantana (lan-tay-nuh); Verbenaceae Family. Tender, perennial shrubs from the tropics and subtropics, have pretty clusters of small tubular flowers, hairy stems and crinkled opposite leaves.
Lantana is extremely easy to grow and a butterfly and hummingbird favorite. Lantana thrives in hot weather and blooms profusely until frost. Perennial in zones 8 to 11, a few cultivars are reliably perennial in zones 7 and 8. Plant in the ground or in containers, at least 2 weeks after any frost danger. After winter dormancy, new growth typically does not reemerge until mid spring. Tolerant of all well drained soil and salt, low water requirements make lantana perfect for xeriscapes, containers and hanging baskets. Utilize in annual or perennial, full sun flowerbeds or containers.
Use as a groundcover in mass plantings and banks, or even as a hedge. A very versatile plant, it is a butterfly and hummingbird magnet, plus deer and rabbit resistant, heat and drought tolerant.