The harvesting season for Lantana camara typically begins in late summer or early fall, usually in August or September.
lantana
Lantana camara
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.
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
10 - 11
Flowers:
White, yellow, orange, red and purple, often mixed in same cluster Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Fruits:
yellow,purple,orange,pink,white Fruits Ready In
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,red,yellow,purple,orange,tan,black
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Poisonous To Humans:
Yes
Poisonous To Pets:
Yes
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Thorny:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
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.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit
Starts Flowering
Lantana camara typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.
Starts Flowering
Lantana camara typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.
Harvest Fruit
The harvesting season for Lantana camara typically begins in late summer or early fall, usually in August or September.
Hardiness Map
FAQ
Is Lantana a perennial plant?
Yes, Lantana is a perennial plant. It grows to be between one and three feet tall and is known for its showy and fragrant flowers in colors such as yellow, orange, pink, and white. Lantana is drought-tolerant and typically blooms from mid-summer through the fall. It can tolerate partial shade but prefers full sun for the best blooms and foliage. Because of its hardy nature, Lantana is perfect for landscape borders, patio containers, and hanging baskets.
Could Lantanas be grown as a hedge?
Yes, lantanas can be grown as a hedge. Since lantanas have an mounding habit, as they mature they form a thick, dense hedge which makes them an ideal plant for hedges. Plant lantanas in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil and full sun. In addition, pruning them regularly can help to maintain the shape and the vigor of the hedge. The evergreen foliage also helps provide year-round appeal. Lantanas, however, are considered invasive in some areas, so check with your local Cooperative Extension for the most current information before planting.
Do Lantanas have a strong fragrance?
No, lantanas do not have a strong fragrance. The flowers are usually described as having a light, sweet scent that is most noticeable when smelled up close. Lantanas also attract butterflies and hummingbirds which may be able to appreciate the delicate fragrance more than a human.
Is Lantana considered an invasive species?
Yes, Lantana is considered an invasive species in many parts of the world. It is native to tropical regions in the Americas, but has been introduced to many other areas as an ornamental plant. In these new areas, Lantana can easily spread and out-compete native vegetation, leading to decreased species diversity. In some countries it is even listed as a noxious weed. In addition to impacting native species, the plant produces a toxin that can harm livestock and cause skin irritation in humans. As a result, it is important to take steps to remove and control Lantana to protect native ecosystems.
Could Lantanas be grown indoors?
Yes, lantanas can be grown indoors but they don't do as well as if they were grown outdoors. Artificial lighting will work for growing lantanas indoors but it should be kept in bright light for at least 4-6 hours each day for the best results. Also, be sure to keep the plants in a warm room and make sure they are properly watered. With a bit of effort, lantanas can be grown indoors and can even produce a few flowers.
Could Lantanas be used in butterfly gardens?
Yes, lantanas can be used in butterfly gardens. Not only do lantanas add a pop of colour to the garden, but they are also an important source of nectar for butterflies and other pollinators. Planting a variety of different lantana cultivars can help provide a steady food source for butterflies throughout the season. Lantanas come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, and they require minimal upkeep. Planting a few of these tough, drought-tolerant plants in a sunny location can help create a stunning and beneficial butterfly garden.
Are Lantanas self-seeding plants?
Yes, lantanas are self-seeding plants. This means that when they flower and produce seeds, those seeds can take root and germinate into new plants. Lantanas are quick to reseed, meaning that you can expect an abundance of new seedlings in the spring after a successful flowering season in the summer. It's important to keep in mind, however, that these plants can be quite invasive and need to be kept from spreading too much. Picking off the flowers before they go to seed is the best method of controlling spread.
Could Lantanas be used in container gardens?
Yes, Lantanas can be used in container gardens! With their bright colors and easy-going nature, they are perfect to use as colorful focal points for a container garden. They prefer well-drained soils and need plenty of sunshine, so make sure the pot has good drainage and is exposed to full sun. They can also tolerate short dry spells, as long as the soil remains fairly moist. With their long blooming season and range of colors, they make a great addition to any container garden.
