Unnoticed Flora Transforms My Yard into a Summer Spectacle, Perfect for Pot Cultivation
Lantana camara, also known as the common lantana or 'Florida Flower', is a popular choice for gardeners in U.S. hardiness zones 7-11. This species of flowering plant, native to the American tropics, is known for its ability to thrive in warm, sunny conditions and tolerate heat, drought, and full sun.
Top Growing Tips for Lantana Camara
Plant in Full Sun
Lantana thrives in full sun conditions, even tolerating reflected sunlight from surfaces like sidewalks or walls. While it can grow in part shade, full sun produces more colorful and abundant flowers.
Use Well-Draining Soil
Plant lantana in a well-draining, slightly acidic potting medium to avoid soggy conditions that can harm roots.
Watering
Provide plenty of water to establish the plant initially. Once established, lantana is drought tolerant and typically requires watering only about once a week.
Fertilizing
Apply a small amount of fertilizer to encourage growth early on, but avoid over-fertilizing, as excess fertilizer can reduce blooming.
Pruning
Pruning back aggressively if the plant becomes overgrown and regularly deadheading (removing spent flowers) to encourage continuous blooming.
Propagation by Cuttings
Take healthy, non-flowering stem cuttings about 4 inches long, trim leaves leaving 1-2 at the top, optionally dip in rooting hormone, and plant in well-drained mix (with grit). Keep cuttings moist but not waterlogged and out of direct sunlight until roots develop in 3-4 weeks. Then repot and overwinter indoors before planting out after the frost risk passes.
Winter Care
In frost-prone climates, treat lantana as an annual or grow in containers that can be brought indoors to keep them growing in a sunny spot.
Other Facts About Lantana Camara
Lantana camara is an evergreen shrub with wrinkled, ovate leaves and terminal clusters of salver-shaped flowers 1 cm across. The flowers come in red, yellow, white, pink, and orange. Lantanas attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
The flowers of Lantana camara have a tutti fruity smell. Lantana will do best where it can get six hours of sunlight per day. If the temperature stays above 55oF year-round, you can expect Lantana to keep blooming.
However, be careful if you have pets, as Lantana is toxic to dogs and cats. It can also be invasive in many areas, including Florida, Arizona, and Hawaii, and it's best grown in a container in these locations.
The author's latest favourite plant for summer colour in the yard is Lantana camara, which was discovered at a local yard sale. Lantana will appreciate a humid environment and being kept moist.
In tropical and subtropical regions, it's recommended to grow Lantana in a container to avoid it becoming invasive. With these tips, you can ensure healthy growth and prolific blooming of Lantana camara in garden or container settings.
Incorporate lantana into your home-and-garden lifestyle by taking advantage of its preference for full sun and warm, sunny conditions.When growing lantana, keep in mind that it thrives best in a well-draining, slightly acidic potting medium, and provides plenty of water for establishment before becoming drought tolerant.
