Lantana camara (Spanish Flag, West Indian Lantana)


Michael's Opinion

This plant is considered an invasive species in most of the tropical world, it is naturalized on the African continent, and in the southern United States of America is considered a problematic species.

Botanical Information

FamilyVerbenaceae
GenusLantana
Speciescamara
CategoryTropicals
TypeShrub (evergreen)
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9b-11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-4º to 5º
Temperature (°F)25º to 40º
Height2m
Spread2.5m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodJanuary, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Description and Growing Information

LandscapeIn warm winter zones, use lantana and its cultivars in mixed beds and borders. Lantana will add vibrant long-lasting colour to shrub groupings. This is a fast growing shrub that is quick to flower so gardeners in cold climates can enjoy this tropical plant as an annual.
PropagationBy seed or cuttings taken in the summertime. Lantana hybrids and named selections are propagated by cuttings.
CultivationLantana is very easy to grow and will adapt to most soil types. It is not affected by pests or disease, and has low water requirements, it is also tolerant of extreme heat. Too much water and fertilizer will reduce bloom.
HabitatMexico, Central America, the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, Colombia, and Venezuela.
Leaf DescriptionThe leaves are 5-12 cm long by 2.5-5 cm wide, with rounded tooth edges and a textured surface. Stems and leaves are covered with rough hairs and emit an amonia-like aroma when crushed.
Flower DescriptionThe small flowers are held in umbels that are typically 2.5-5 cm across.
Colour DescriptionFlower colour ranges from white to yellow, orange to red, pink to rose in unlimited combinations, in addition the flowers usually change in colour as the plant ages.

Photographs