Lantana (Lantana camara (Landmark Series))
Vibrant, low-maintenance Lantana camara (Landmark Series) offers continuous multicolored blooms from July to frost in full sun.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Lantana camara (Landmark Series) is celebrated by gardeners for its exceptional, long-lasting color display, making it a cornerstone of summer annual plantings. These mounding plants produce dense clusters of tiny, tubular flowers that continuously shift hues, often featuring white, yellow, orange, and red all on the same head. This vibrant Lantana provides reliable, low-maintenance performance throughout the hottest months.
Native to the Americas, this frost-tender shrub is primarily grown as an annual in cooler climates, though top growth is hardy in USDA Zones 10-11. The distinctive, aromatic foliage combined with the pollinator-attracting blossoms ensures that Lantana offers significant visual and ecological benefits. Gardeners appreciate the robust nature of the Lantana camara (Landmark Series) as it thrives in heat and bright light.
These tough, sun-loving plants are perfect for adding continuous texture and color without demanding extensive care. Whether used as bedding color or spilling from containers, the Landmark Series delivers on its promise of a spectacular, drought-tolerant summer show.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Verbenaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-2 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: July to frost
- Bloom Description: White, yellow, orange, red, pink and purple, with multiple colors in same flower
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Lantana camara (Landmark Series) in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. Optimal planting locations require full sun exposure, as insufficient light will reduce blooming dramatically. This shrub thrives in average, well-drained soils with medium moisture, though it demonstrates excellent tolerance for poorer soil conditions once established.
Watering should be consistent, especially when establishing plants or growing in containers, following a medium water requirement schedule. Fertilization requirements are generally low; excessive phosphorus can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers. Since Landmark Series lantanas are typically grown as annual bedding plants, many gardeners opt to purchase new stock each spring rather than overwintering existing ones.
For gardeners in colder regions seeking to save their favorite plants, cuttings can be successfully taken during the summer for indoor overwintering. If overwintering, keep the plant cool (40–49°F) and bright. Plants grown in the ground are winter hardy to Zone 10, although root survival can extend to Zone 9. Container plants can also be trained into appealing standards.
Landscape Uses
Lantana is exceptionally versatile, making it a superb choice for annual bedding displays where constant color is required. The compact, mounding habit of the Landmark Series is perfect for edging walkways or filling borders with reliable texture. These plants also excel when used in mixed container arrangements, providing height and trailing color that contrasts beautifully with neighboring annuals.
Due to its drought tolerance once established, Lantana is an outstanding selection for difficult, hot, sunny spots where other flowering plants might struggle. Consider pairing the multicolored clusters of Lantana camara (Landmark Series) with heat-tolerant companions like Zinnias, Vinca, or ornamental grasses for a dynamic summer scene.
As a primary component in pollinator gardens, its long bloom period ensures a continuous nectar source. The shrub verbena acts as a colorful anchor, drawing hummingbirds and butterflies throughout the season.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lantana camara, commonly known as lantana or shrub verbena, is an upright, frost-tender shrub originally from Central and South America. The Landmark Series lantanas are recognized as mounding annuals reaching 12–20” tall, featuring dense hemispherical clusters of multicolored flowers that bloom robustly from late spring until frost. The leaves are ovate, toothed, and dark green, possessing a noticeable aromatic quality when brushed or bruised, while the flowers attract numerous butterflies.
Tolerances
- Drought
Potential Problems
Lantana generally exhibits good resistance to serious insect or disease problems under normal growing conditions. The most common pests observed are whiteflies and spider mites, which tend to become problematic later in the season or specifically when plants are brought indoors for overwintering. Regular inspection of the leaf undersides, particularly on overwintering specimens, allows for early treatment with insecticidal soap to manage any infestations effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Lantana suitable for?
Lantana camara (Landmark Series) is top growth winter hardy in USDA Zones 10 and 11, though roots may survive brief dips into Zone 9.
How large does Lantana grow?
The Landmark Series forms mounding plants typically reaching between 1 to 2 feet in height and spreading to a similar width of 1 to 2 feet.
What sun exposure does Lantana need?
This genus thrives best in full sun conditions to ensure the most prolific blooming from July through frost.
When does Lantana bloom?
This plant offers continuous color from July all the way to the first hard frost, featuring spectacular flower clusters with white, yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple hues simultaneously.
Conclusion
The Lantana camara (Landmark Series) offers unmatched, long-season color with minimal fuss, making it an excellent choice for hot, sunny borders and containers. By utilizing these reliable, low-maintenance Lantana varieties, gardeners gain a valuable asset that supports local pollinators. Ensure you check your local hardiness zone compatibility or plan for springtime annual replacement for the best results.
Companion Planting
When designing beds around Lantana, focus on other heat-loving plants that share its preference for full sun and sharp drainage. Calibrachoa (Million Bells) are excellent cascading partners for containers, complementing the Lantana’s bloom structure with their trumpet-shaped flowers. For bedding applications, try pairing it with upright Zinnias or shorter varieties of Salvia, which also attract pollinators and appreciate similar cultural conditions.
Wildlife Benefits
The colorful blooms of the Lantana camara (Landmark Series) are highly effective at attracting a wide spectrum of beneficial insects throughout the summer growing season. Hummingbirds readily visit the tubular flowers seeking nectar, and butterflies are frequent visitors, often seen resting on the clusters while feeding. Planting this species significantly boosts the biodiversity in your garden space simply by providing a consistent, accessible food source during peak activity months.
