Nothing is more exciting than lantana in its vivid blossoms whether you have planted it in your garden or kept it in containers. They continue to scatter effortless color and charm everywhere.

However, before planting lantana you need to consider the following questions:

• Why is Lantana a problem?
• What are its water requirements and how can you care for lantana in pots effectively?

 

Whether you are a newbie or a pro gardener, my assistance in growing and maintaining lantana will help you a lot.

Why Is Lantana a Problem?

As I have pointed out earlier although lantana is a gardener’s delight, in most of the regions of India and the United States people consider it an invasive species. It spreads aggressively crowding out native species.

 

In addition, lantana berries are toxic to pets, livestock, and even humans. Ingestion of these berries can be fatal. If you are keen on growing Lantana camara, make sure to prune spent flowers regularly to avoid berry formation.

 

Lantana Care in Pots:

If you have decided to grow lantana in pots for your patios, balconies or small gardens, you have made an excellent choice. My suggestion is that you need to use a well-draining, soil-less commercial mix designed for containers. Furthermore, you have to ensure that your pot has drainage holes that can avoid root rot.

Key tips for caring for lantana in pots:

• Place in full sun for maximum blooms.
• Water regularly during establishment; once mature, water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Prune lightly to shape the plant and remove dead flowers or berries.
• Fertilize every 4–6 weeks during the growing season for better blooming.

 

Lantana Water Requirements:

We know lantana as a drought-tolerant species. However, consistent watering boosts flower production.1 inch of water per week (either from rainfall or irrigation) is ideal for growing lantana. You are also advised to overwater the plant because it may lead to root rot or disease.

 

Lantana Colors and Size:

One of the striking features of lantana is its multicolored flower heads that often display several shades in a single bloom cluster. Lantanas are:

• Pink
• Red
• Orange
• Yellow
• Lavender
• White
• Gold

 

Lantana size varies depending on the variety:

• Dwarf varieties grow 12–18 inches tall.
• Standard types can reach up to 3–6 feet in height and spread.

 

Lantana Seeds: What You Need to Know:

If you are planning to collect lantana seeds, try to collect non-invasive, non-toxic varieties. Lantana produces tiny black berries containing seeds. You should handle these seeds with gloves. In addition; it is advisable to check local regulations before planting lantana seeds, especially Lantana camara.

 

Lantana Camara Medicinal Uses:

Despite being invasive, Lantana camara has limited medicinal usage in various cultures. They are often used in:

• Treating skin rashes and wounds
• Relieving respiratory ailments
• Acting as an antimicrobial agent

 

Pruning Lantana for Better Growth:

To keep lantana lush and blooming pruning is necessary. Furthermore, regular pruning also helps in preventing berry formation, especially if you are keen on growing lantana camara.