Lantana
Lantana camara · Verbenaceae
📷 Alvesgaspar · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant lantana: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen to semi-evergreen depending on climate
- Flowering
- May to October, flowers in colorful clusters
- Adult size
- 1.5 to 2.5 m tall and wide
- Growth
- Fast to moderate
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender, from −5 °C onwards
- Origin
- Tropical and subtropical America
- Soil type
- Well-drained, fertile, tolerant
Expert tips
The key tip
Le Lantana prospère surtout en sol bien drainé et pauvre : un sol trop riche produit du feuillage au détriment de la floraison. Arrosez régulièrement pendant la croissance, mais laissez sécher entre les apports—c'est une plante qui tolère mieux la sécheresse que l'engorgement. Une taille courte en fin d'hiver ou début de printemps stimule une ramification dense et une floraison abondante.
The common mistake
Le piège le plus courant : arroser trop, surtout en pot. Le Lantana meurt bien plus souvent d'excès d'eau que de sécheresse, et l'humidité stagnante favorise les maladies fongiques et l'apparition d'araignées rouges.
The pro's trick
Pincez les jeunes tiges au printemps (ôtez 2-3 cm des extrémités) dès que la plante atteint 20-25 cm : cela double le nombre de points de floraison sans attendre l'automne. Les fleurs apparaissent toujours en extrémité de rameau, donc plus vous avez de branches, plus vous avez de fleurs.
Care
Light exposure
Lantana demands a very sunny location (minimum 6 hours) for abundant flowering. In partial shade, fruiting becomes sparse. Place it in a wind-protected area, as strong winds can damage young shoots.
Watering
Water regularly during growth, keeping the soil moist but without waterlogging. During established dry periods, weekly watering is sufficient. Reduce watering in autumn and winter.
Soil
Prepare well-drained potting soil enriched with compost. Lantana tolerates moderately acidic to neutral soils. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot in winter or after heavy rainfall.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune after flowering or in late winter to maintain shape and encourage branching. Remove dead or diseased branches. In cold climates, bring potted plants indoors in autumn or protect the base with thick mulch.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer once a month from May to August. Reduce applications in autumn. Excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and pests
Watch for powdery mildew in humid conditions (ensure good air circulation). Spider mites appear in dry conditions (mist the foliage). Regularly check for scale insects or whiteflies, especially indoors.
Did you know?
Lantana was once considered an invasive species in South Africa, so spectacular were its growth and fruiting. In traditional homeopathy, various virtues are attributed to its crushed leaves, though they contain irritating volatile compounds. Its small berries (which turn from red to black as they ripen) are highly appreciated by birds, making it an excellent choice for promoting biodiversity in the garden.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.