Lantana
Lantana
Lantana camara
Also known as: lantana
- Annuals Containers and Baskets
- Full Sun to Part Sun
Lantana (Lantana camara) is an evergreen tropical shrub native to Central and South America. It is a popular ornamental plant known for its bright, colorful, long-lasting blooms, which come in shades of orange, pink, yellow, purple, and white. It is also drought-tolerant and can live in both sunny and shaded areas making it an ideal landscape plant. The plant is highly fragrant and attractive to butterflies, which makes it a great addition to any butterfly garden. Furthermore, Lantana is known for its edible fruit and is used medicinally in some parts of the world.
Care guides
Watering
Lantana (Lantana camara) thrives in warm, sunny climates and needs moist soil for optimal growth. It is best watered during the early morning hours when there is less evaporation, and generally requires 1-2 inches of water per week. During periods of intense summer heat, Lantana may require more frequent watering. Aim to water the entire area of the root zone and be sure to avoid over-watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. During winter, reduce watering to approximately 1 inch per month.
Sunlight
Lantana (Lantana camara) does well in full sun, needing about 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They prefer warm climates and can tolerate some shade, but not enough to provide adequate flowering during the hot summer months. When grown in full sun, lantana produces an abundance of flowers, promoting a healthier and more attractive plant. When grown in direct sun, water should be provided as needed to prevent wilting and keep the foliage lush and green.
Pruning
Prune Lantana (Lantana camara) plants lightly in early spring and again in late summer or early fall. In early spring, remove any dead, damaged, or weak branches, and lightly shape the plant. During late summer or early fall, reduce the height of the main stem — somewhere between 1-third and 2-thirds — using sharp bypass shears or hedge clippers. Pruning your lantana in late summer or early fall gives it the chance to develop strong branches that can support the weight of the flowers in the spring.