Perennials – Lantana

Botanical name: Lantana Camara

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 3-7 ft tall, 6 ft in width

Bloom time: summer, fall

Hardy zone: zones 8-13

Flower color: yellow, pink, orange, red, white, purple

Foliage color: green

Growth rate: can grow up to 3 ft a year both in height and in width

Pruning instructions: trim and shape as desired during the winter/early spring before it begins to flower again

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: attractive/colorful borders or additions to a flower garden or a butterfly garden. Can also make a good hedge

Light needs: about 6 hours of sun a day

Special features: the roots can be made into rubber and the stem can be used as raw material for papermaking

Watering instructions: likes moderately moist soil. Allow soil to partially dry before next watering

Fertilizing instructions : fertilize in early spring with 10-10-10

Best time to plant: spring or fall

Best type of soil: adapts to all kinds of soil

Companion plants: pentas, verbena, salvia

Toxicity level: extremely toxic for pet and mildly toxic for humans

Invasive species: no