VLoveof Nature

Lantana

Lantana camara

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Lantana · Lantana camara

Flower clusters shift from yellow to orange and pink and draw butterflies; spreads fast.

Care and placement

Needs full sun (6+ hours), tolerates drought, drained soil and little fertilizer; invasive in many regions — check local rules and remove fruit to limit spread.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 120 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 120 cm

Things to consider

TOXIC: all parts, especially unripe green berries, contain triterpenoids: ASPCA notes vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing, weakness and liver damage in dogs, cats and horses; NC State rates the poison severity as medium. Foliage may irritate skin. Keep berries from children and pets.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Plant in sun in well-drained soil; pots need drainage holes. Water often right after planting to establish roots.

  2. Light

    Full sun, at least 6 hours of direct sun; tolerates partial shade with fewer flowers.

  3. Watering

    Once established water only when the soil is dry; drought-tolerant and unsuited to wet sites. Overwatering causes root rot, powdery mildew and sooty mould.

  4. Feeding

    Established plants need little: one all-purpose dose in early spring; containers may get liquid feed every 2–3 weeks. Too much nitrogen gives leaves, few flowers.

  5. Pruning

    Prune in late winter or early spring to keep compact and bloom; pinch tips during the growing season; old plants can be cut back to about 10–15 cm from the base. Remove spent clusters and fruit. Wear gloves.

  6. Propagation

    Stem cuttings in late summer or after flowering with rooting hormone in moist, airy mix; or seed in late winter to early spring. Be careful, as it can spread beyond the garden.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Spider mites, whiteflies (most common) and aphids: spray insecticidal soap or neem on leaf undersides. Powdery mildew and sooty mould follow overwatering or shade; sun and airflow prevent most problems.

  8. For more flowers

    For continuous blooms: full sun, sparing water, little nitrogen, pinching, removing spent clusters and fruit to trigger new flushes. Flowers shift from yellow to orange and pink.