Once again, I am still pretty much a novice, so bare with me in such things. Today I would like to talk about my second favorite plant: Lantana.
I don't know the latin name, which of course my father would totally berate me for, but I think I am a better gardener than him, so there ya go. He is of course a scientist and beats me in that department for sure. But it's not a competition, so where was I?
Ah, Lantana...I met this plant in Florida where I was not immediately impressed...But in Michigan where the summers are hot and alternating between humid and dry...I was suddenly looking at Lantana with brand new eyes.
This annual (in Michigan it is an annual) is a great plant for Michigan because it can handle all day sun, and partial sun. It can handle very hot weather and fairly cool weather. It can handle some neglect in the watering department and prefers to not be over watered-but to it's credit can handle too much water too. It blooms from spring all the way to fall and then has attractive-BUT HIGHLY POISONOUS-purple berries.
I prefer the non mounding forms as I feel they are more prolific bloomers...my favorite has been the red and purple varieties.
I like to combine the red and orange flowering lantana with purple potatoe vine and some blue salvia and maybe some fountain grass for a long blooming, low maintenance and classy garden combo. Add a gazing ball and all your friends will be having major garden envy.
Love lantana!! We have a hedge of it in front of the house...needs trimming, but, oh my, it is in full bloom right now and beautiful! It is a lavendar color. It is great here in Florida, for sure, and attracts lots of butterflies.
ReplyDeleteI had lantana in baskets two years ago because they were in full flower most of the summer (with deadheading) and looked great on my deck. Last year I tried something different and regretted it.
ReplyDeleteWow, I didn't know this flower was called Lantana, but I have always loved it. My parents live in Florida, and it grows everywhere in their area.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog. I'm glad to meet a fellow gardener!Lantana is a favorite of mine too! Its a perennial here in Texas. I cut it town in winter and it returns every spring.
ReplyDeleteHi Raquel, lantana is one plant I've never had much luck with. The colors are great and I've tried it in mixed container plantings but it never blooms well for me. Maybe I don't fertilize heavily enough.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
Lantana is a hot and dry kind of plant...so if it gets too much water and not enough sun...it's not going to do well. Sort of like butterfly bush...another hot and dry kind of plant. Hope that is somehow helpful.
ReplyDelete--GartenGrl
Love this blog,,You've sold me on Lantana before..can'tt wait to see all those butterflies and hummingbirds zooming around it. Jan
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