Lantana

Common lantana is a rugged evergreen shrub from the tropics. The species will grow to 6 ft (1.8 m) high and may spread to 8 ft (2.4 m) in width with some varieties able to clamber vinelike up supports to greater heights with the help of support. The leaves are 2-5 in (5-12.7 cm) long by 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm) wide with rounded tooth edges and a textured surface. Stems and leaves are covered with rough hairs and emit an unpleasant aroma when crushed (smells like cat pee). The small flowers are held in clusters (called umbels) that are typically 1-2 in (2.5-5.1 cm) across.

In the tropics lantana is a non-stop bloomer. Where it is killed to the ground by frost the lantana blooms in summer and fall. Flower color ranges from white to yellow, orange to red, pink to rose in unlimited combinations, in addition the flowers usually change in color as they age. A lantana may look orange from a distance but the flowerhead is examined at close range it consists of individual white, yellow and red flowers that blend when viewed from afar.

Here's the skinny on growing lantana: sun, sun and more sun. This is not a plant for shady locations! And hot, hot, hot; Lantana thrives as the mercury climbs. Provide soil that is well-drained. Remember to water as needed, just don't overdo it. Fertilize it at the beginning of the growing season; it's not a heavy feeder. In fact too much water and fertilizer will reduce bloom

Lantana, Lantana camara, is an excellent hummingbird shrub that seems even more attractive to butterflies. It has been around for generations and has become naturalized along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Recently introduced varieties that flower prolifically and grow to less 60cm in height are much less attractive to hummingbirds than the old taller varieties such as 'Irene,' 'Christine,' and "Dallas Red.'

A few words of caution: After the flowers fade, berries will appear. The berries are poisonous; use care when using this plant around children and pets. Some southern states have listed lantana on their invasive species list; check before you plant.

The ABSOLUTELY BEST improvement which has been made is sterilization. Several new varieties bloom profusely but NEVER forms berries which normally have to be removed before more blooms will be produced. This revolutionary new development in lantanas insures that the plant will be a continuous blooming beauty. Sterile varieties which are available include New Gold, Dwarf Pinkie, Samantha (Lemon Swirl), Weeping Lavender and Weeping White. The lantana is a great landscape plant which is very adapted to this area provided they are grown in a sunny location. When established, the plants are very drought tolerant, and continue to produce bright and attractive blooms in the hottest of weather. Although a tender perennial, lantana is best used as a warm season annual, replanted each spring. Some of the best varieties which are available from local nurseries are:

• New Gold -- bright yellow, sterile flowers, spreading habit. This new variety named New Gold blooms profusely but NEVER forms berries which have to be removed before more blooms will be produced. This revolutionary new development in lantanas insures that this plant will be a continuous beauty rather than a virulent pest with its unwelcomed seedling offspring. But you MUST insist on the New Gold variety; all other lantana varieties exhibit the characteristics which lead botanists to label them with the highly unfavorable specie name of horrida.
• Weeping Lavender -- Fragrant, lavender, sterile flowers, low spreading habit
• Weeping White -- Fragrant, white, sterile flowers, low spreading habit
• Pinkie -- Pink/cream bicolor, sterile flowers on an extremely compact plant which never requires cutting back
• Texas Flame (Dallas Red, New Red) -- Orange/yellow/red tricolor blooms which turn to deep red, a compact bush. The reddest lantana available.
• Samantha (Lemon Swirl) -- Bright yellow, sterile blooms and beautiful variegated foliage on a compact bush. A beautiful plant even without blooms!