- Author: Ardis Neilsen
- Editor: Noni Todd
Lantana
By Ardis Neilsen UCCE Master Gardener
Common Name: Lantana ‘Rose Sunrise'
Scientific Name: Lantana camara
Planting Zone: Sunset 8-10, 12-24
Size: 1 -2 feet high, 2-4 feet wide
Bloom Season: continuously except when frost occurs, long lasting blooms
Exposure: Full sun, requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight
Pruning Needs: Trim to control size and shape, remove woody growth in spring |
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Water Needs: Drought tolerant, infrequent deep watering after established
If you want a plant that is easy to grow, colorful, always blooming, drought tolerant and animal resistant, the Lantana ‘Rose Sunrise' cultivar might be the perfect fit for your garden. It is low maintenance, hardy, deer and rabbit resistant, and it attracts pollinators. It can be planted in beds, pots or hanging baskets, where it will show off its petite, brightly colored rose-pink and yellow blossoms which contrast nicely with its dark green leaves. The leathery leaves are opposite, heavily veined, a bit rough like sandpaper, and approximately two inches long. Lantana's flowers form in one to two-inch clusters and put on a non-stop show that few plants can compete with. The eye-catching blossoms are attractive to hummingbirds, bees and butterflies, making lantana an excellent choice for pollinator gardens.
This hardy, mounding, perennial shrub is happiest in full sun with warm temperatures and a bit of fertilizer. Lantana will grow in varied soils but prefers soil that is amended, slightly acidic and drains well. Lantana can be prone to mildew if it is planted in shade, receives too much water, or when prolonged fog or overcast conditions occur. Light frost keeps the plant's growth in check. In areas where there is no frost, it will bloom continuously. If frost damages the plant, do not remove the blackened leaves. They offer a “winter coat” of protection until the soil and air temperature warm up in spring, and new growth emerges. When the frost season passes, you can safely prune debris and continue to enjoy this hardy, colorful plant.
The lantana genus consists of about 150 species of perennial flowering plants in the verbena family, Verbenaceae. It is non-native to California but popular in many Central Coast garden landscapes.
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