Lantana

Lantana camara · Flower

Quick answer: Water: Moderate, in dry spells. Light: Full sun, 6+ hours a day. Soil: Well-drained, pH 6.0–8.0. Pets: ASPCA lists lantana as toxic to cats and dogs; it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing and weakness. Keep pets from chewing it; if in doubt, ask your vet.

A heat-loving shrub with domed clusters of small flowers that often change color as they age. It blooms nonstop from midsummer to frost and draws butterflies. In mild climates it is a perennial shrub and can become invasive; elsewhere it is grown as a summer annual or in pots.

Care at a glance

Light

Full sun, 6+ hours a day

Water

Moderate; drought-tolerant once established

Soil

Well-drained, pH 6.0–8.0

Temperature

Frost-tender; under cover keep above 41–50 °F

Spacing

3–5 ft, its mature width (estimated)

Container

At least 12 in pot (estimated)

Bloom

Midsummer until the first frost

Lifespan

Perennial shrub in zones 7–11; annual in colder areas

When?

Plant out after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed (estimated). In cold areas bring potted plants under cover before frost; the RHS rates it as a summer-only outdoor plant in the UK.

Step by step

1. Pick the sunniest, warmest spot; less sun means fewer flowers.
2. Plant in well-drained soil; heavy, wet soil is its main enemy.
3. Water regularly the first weeks, then only in long dry spells.
4. Feed only if growth is weak, following the product label.
5. Trim leggy stems in summer to keep it compact and flowering.
6. In warm climates where it self-seeds, remove the berries or choose sterile cultivars.
7. Wear gloves when handling; the sap can irritate skin.
8. Before frost, cut back potted plants and keep them in a bright, frost-free place.

Common problems

Pets

ASPCA lists lantana as toxic to cats and dogs; it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing and weakness. Keep pets from chewing it; if in doubt, ask your vet.

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