Lantana is Outstandia
by: Julie Barnes
In the language of flowers, the lantana flower symbolizes rigor, endurance and resilience due to this plant's ability to thrive and bloom continuously through tough conditions. This year, I scouted numerous rows of hanging baskets at a favorite garden center for something that could withstand intense heat, sun, and fend off marauding deer on the way to my front door. Luckily, I was able to secure the last two lantanas reduced due to many browned leaves poking out. To me, they were either recovering from a bout of serious water neglect, or they had been touched by frost. No guts, no glory so I decided to give them a chance. A bit of plant clean up; repotting and feeding with slow release fertilizer really brought back the Flower Power in these two lantana plants. Through summer's roasting conditions, they have abundantly bloomed. I expect them to outlast my fading annuals well into fall.
Lantana is a genus of 150 flowering shrubs native to tropical regions of the America's with Lantana camara being the most common species. Belonging to the Verbenaceae Family, it is a perennial in USDA climate zones 8-11 mainly as a flowering shrub. In our Northern area, this ornamental powerhouse is grown as an annual in garden beds, borders, or as a groundcover. Lantana also thrives in pots, containers, window boxes, or hanging baskets. This plant produces clusters of vibrant, tubular; flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink and white in various color combinations. Lantana flowers will frequently start off in one color that gradually shades into another color as they mature. This can sometimes result in having multiple colors on the same plant. Lantanas are irresistible to pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds being drawn to their fragrant nectar- rich flowers, as well. An abundance of long lasting blooms extending into the autumn season makes Lantana a great choice for supporting pollinators.
Hot, Hot Tips for Lantana Bliss:
- Lantana absolutely thrives in sweltering summer conditions.
- Lantana LOVES Sunshine- Being planted in full sun at least- 6-8 hours per day is best.
- It prefers well-draining soil as root rot can occur when planted in a poorly draining soil.
- Lantana is quite drought tolerant once established in the garden. But, during hot, dry summer spells, an occasional watering may still be necessary. Of course, container plantings must be watered more often.
- Once lantana flowers have been pollinated they will begin to produce toxic berries that will start off green and turn black when mature. More energy will be expended for seed production instead of blooms. Lantana benefits from deadheading by either snipping off spent flower or berry clusters.
Noteworthy Lantana Facts:
- Lantana camara has been used in traditional folk remedies to treat skin conditions, upper respiratory infections, stress, high blood pressure and even malaria. It is shown to contain anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
- Lantana can produce up to 12,000 seeds from one plant leading it to become classified as an invasive species in many warm climate regions. In the U.S. this includes parts of California, Florida, Texas, and Hawaii. In Australia, Lantana is considered to be one of the worst invasive weeds since it spreads quickly to take over other plants in an area.
