The perennial Lantana Camara (commonly known as Lantana) is an upright, spreading, or scandent shrub that may grow up to 2 metre (6 1⁄2 foot) tall and create dense thickets in various habitats. Given the correct circumstances, it can reach a height of 6 metre (20 feet) and climb into trees. The simple, opposite, and widely ovate leaves release a strong odor when crushed.
Little tubular flowers with four petals apiece are produced by L. Camara and are grouped in terminal sections of stalks. The many hues of flowers vary according to age, maturity, and inflorescence position, including red, yellow, white, pink, and orange. The blossom smells like tutti frutti with a hint of spice. The flowers’ color changes (usually from yellow to orangish, pinkish, or reddish) after pollination; this is thought to signal to pollinators that the pre-change color includes a reward and is sexually viable, enhancing the effectiveness of pollination. The plant can bloom year-round in areas without frost, especially if the soil is wet.
Lantana plant: Overview
| Common names | Lantana, shrub verbena, West Indian lantana |
| Botanical name | Lantana camara |
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Plant type | Shrub, annual |
| Mature size | 6 ft. high, 6 ft. wide |
| Sun exposure | Full |
| Soil type | Well-drained |
| Soil pH | Neutral |
| Bloom time | Spring, summer, fall, winter |
| Flower colour | Red, orange, yellow, blue, white, pink |
| Native areas | Central America, South America |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
How to grow Lantana plants?
Growing lantana is an excellent method to add color and interest to the garden. All you have to do is plant them in well-draining soil in a sunny spot. While lantana plants may thrive in various soil types, its blossoms prefer slightly acidic soil. Adding pine needles to your mulch is a simple approach to raising the soil’s acidity.
When there is no longer a risk of cold weather or frost, lantanas are planted in the spring. However, remember that they like warm weather, so new growth might take time to occur. But, they will increase as soon as the weather warms.
See also: How to grow and care for Lavender flowers?
Basic requirements for caring Lantana plants
The following are the primary criteria for lantana care:
- Needs direct sunlight.
- Prefers neutral, slightly acidic, or slightly alkaline soil that drains well.
- Likes dampness and needs wet soil.
- In warm weather, lantana plants grow best over 55℉
- Apply a balanced fertiliser once a year or monthly if the plant is being grown in a container.
- Plant annually in the spring or as a perennial at any time of year.
Comprehensive care tips for Lantana plants indoor
Light
Lantana plants prefer direct sunlight. The plant must be exposed to direct sunshine daily for at least six hours. It will not blossom as much if planted in a shaded area, but it can withstand moderate afternoon shadow.
Soil
These plants do best in soil that drains well. Although they can thrive in most soil types, they need a neutral pH range of 6.0 to 8.0.
Water
Keep the lantana dry; give it a good soak, around one inch per week. You may need to water your soil daily if it is sandy. Try adding additional water if blossoming has slowed down or ceased entirely.
Heat and temperature
Lantana is found across the tropical and subtropical zones, including India’s protected forest regions. It has even made its way into temperate zones in certain situations.
Fertiliser requirement
Once planted in the ground, lantana plants don’t need much fertiliser. In early spring, give it a try once. Although excessive fertiliser might reduce the blooms, they require very little upkeep. Follow the directions on the product label to feed lantana plants in pots more regularly, once a month, using a mild, balanced 20-20-20 fertiliser.
Trimming
Pruning is necessary if you are growing lantana as a perennial to encourage branching and blooming. Take off the fruit to control the plant’s rapid growth, then trim the lantana after it flowers to promote more blooms on bushier branches. To encourage branching and flowering, trim stems in the spring to a height of six to twelve inches from the ground.
See also: How is gardening beneficial for mental health, overall well-being?
Toxicity of Lantana plants
Every part of the lantana plant is poisonous, mainly when used in large quantities. These plants should not be planted in areas where children or dogs could come into contact with them.
The symptoms of lantana poisoning differ from person to person and animal to animal, and depend on the amount of plant material taken as well. Thus, seeking expert assistance is vital. Gastrointestinal discomfort and nausea are the most typical symptoms. If you breathe in smoke from burning plant material or handling plants, you may develop shortness of breath and other issues.
Common pests and diseases
- Although lantanas can withstand a lot of pests, if the infestation gets bad, keep an eye out for the following insects, which might create issues. The four most prevalent pests on lantana are spider mites, mealybugs, lace bugs, and aphids.
- Lantana plants are rather low-maintenance when planted in the right conditions. Plants exposed to excessive shadow, poor air circulation, or elevated humidity may develop powdery mildew or botrytis. by inadequate soil drainage, root rot can be caused .
- To conserve lantana plants, apply an insect-specific approach or use insecticidal soap to eliminate pests.
FAQs
What advantages do lantana leaves offer?
Lantana is used in herbal therapy to treat various conditions, including malaria, stomachaches, fever, coughing, and wound healing.
Is Lantana toxic?
Every lantana plant needs to be regarded as toxic to livestock.
Which is the ideal location for lantana plants?
Plant lantana in a location that receives six to eight hours of direct sunshine each day minimum.
What is the lifespan of lantana plants?
They have a ten-year lifespan if given proper care.
Is the herb Lantana medicinal?
It is recognised as one of the world's most significant medicinal herbs.
Does Lantana have a single bloom?
They blossom all year round since they are unique to these warmer areas.
Which soil mixture is best for lantana plants?
Soil: Use a premium, well-draining all-purpose potting mix. If necessary, add more sand, vermiculite, or perlite to enhance drainage.
What hues does lantana come in?
Pink, orange, red, yellow, lavender, and white are among the hues of lantanas; they can also come in single, bicolor, or multicolored patterns.
Which fertiliser works best for Lantana plants?
An equally balanced fertiliser with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 works best for lantanas.
What benefits does Lantana offer?
Lantana leaves have been shown to have antibacterial, fungicidal, and insecticidal qualities in Indian studies.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
