Lantana, scientifically known as Lantana camara, is a flowering plant in the Verbenaceae family that is native to tropical regions of the Americas. It is an extremely hardy annual that is a must-have for many of our customers. Lantana blooms all season long in a multitude of bright colors, from white to yellow to orange to pink to red and even purple and many colors in between. While we won’t always have the same varieties every week, we can always promise a full table of colorful lantana.
Lantana typically grows between 2 to 6 feet in height and spreads outwards to form a bushy and rounded shape. Some dwarf varieties, such as Lantana ‘Chapel Hill Gold,’ stay more compact, reaching a height of around 1 to 2 feet. The growth habit of Lantana is upright and spreading, with numerous branching stems that create a full and lush appearance.
Caring for Lantana
Lantana is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to cultivate. It thrives in full sun, although it can tolerate some partial shade. However, the plant requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce abundant blooms. Lantana prefers well-draining soil that is fertile and rich in organic matter. Ensure that the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. The plant is drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering is necessary during its initial growth phase.
Lantana is a relatively low-fertilizer plant, but a balanced slow-release fertilizer can be applied during the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. Regular pruning is beneficial for Lantana to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or diseased branches.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves are generally ovate or lance-shaped and have a textured surface. They are arranged in pairs along the stems and emit a distinct, pungent scent when crushed. The foliage is typically dark green, although some varieties may have variegated or serrated leaves, adding to their visual appeal even when the plant is not blooming.
The true beauty of Lantana lies in its flowers. The flowers are small and tubular, clustered together in dense umbels. They come in a wide range of vibrant colors, including shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple. In addition, Lantana is unique in its ability to change flower color as the blooms mature. For example, a cluster of flowers may start as yellow and gradually transition to orange and then red as they age. This creates a stunning multicolored effect on a single plant, often called “tricolor” or “multicolor” Lantana.
Our Selection of Lantana
At Martin Garden Center, we grow Lantana in 4″ containers and buy a whole lot more from our vendors. In 2024, we will have the Bandana, Chapel Hill, Gem, Havanna, Heartland, Lucky and Luscious series, plus Dallas Red, New Gold, Confetti, the variegated Samantha, Trailing Purple and Trailing White. and the ever-popular perennial Ms. Huff. We also offer Ms. Huff in gallon containers.
Beginning in early April and lasting through mid-May, we fully stocky two tables of Lantana, meaning 300+ plants at any given time. After Mother’s Day, we do begin to taper but we generally have Lantana available through the end of summer. We will not always have all varieties, but we try to have a great representation of color. We try very hard to always have Ms. Huff available, as well as Trailing White and Trailing Purple or Trailing Lavender. We have also, from time to time, been able to purchase Lantana Standards from vendors out of Florida. However, we cannot guarantee that we will always have these from year to year.
Is Lantana a Perennial?
Depending on our winter weather in the Upstate, Lantana may or may not survive. At Martin Garden Center, we consider all Lantana as annuals, even the hearty Ms. Huff, which is widely considered a perennial Lantana.
Is Lantana Poisonous?
Yes, lantana plants are considered toxic if ingested. Lantana contains compounds, such as triterpenoids and pentacyclic alkaloids, that can harm humans and animals if consumed. Ingesting parts of the plant, especially the berries, can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and other digestive issues. In some cases, more severe reactions may occur.
Do Deer Eat Lantana?
Lantana is generally considered deer-resistant, meaning that deer tend to avoid feeding on it. The pungent aroma and bitter taste of lantana foliage make it less appealing to deer, and as a result, these plants are often left untouched in areas with deer populations. While no plant can be considered completely deer-proof, lantana is a good choice for gardens in regions where deer are prevalent, as it is less likely to attract their attention.
Does Lantana Attract Bees?
Yes, lantana plants are known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The small, brightly colored lantana flowers produce abundant nectar, which is highly attractive to bees. Bees are essential pollinators for many plants, including lantana, as they help facilitate the transfer of pollen between flowers, which is necessary for the plants to produce seeds and reproduce. So, planting lantana can be a great choice if you’re looking to attract bees to your garden.