Description
Lantana is a perennial evergreen shrub from Central America. It grows up to 3 metres tall; its stem is covered with a few hooked thorns and is only slightly woody. The leaves are wrinkled, hairy and egg-shaped; when crushed they smell unpleasant and irritate the skin.
Lantana flowers from spring to late autumn. The flowers are yellow at first and then change colour through orange to red. The round fruits change colour too – green at first, then purple, and finally blue-black.
Numerous varieties are available, differing in flower colour, vigour and habit. It is used in balcony boxes, in containers on terraces and also as a trained standard. Varieties with slightly trailing stems are excellent for hanging baskets.
Requirements
Lantana needs a sunny position. It grows well in fertile, fairly moist but free-draining soil.
Propagation
Lantana can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in November from plants brought indoors in autumn. At about 20°C the cuttings should root within 3–4 weeks. Once rooted, pot them into a free-draining, slightly acidic compost and keep them at 16–18°C in good light.
Care
During the season water moderately and feed once a week with a balanced fertiliser. In our country, move it for the winter to a cool, bright place at 8–14°C. Removing faded flowers encourages flowering.
Warning! Lantana is poisonous to people and animals – all parts contain toxic substances.