Flower of the Week: Lantana

Lantana are widely cultivated for their flowers in tropical and subtropical areas and as an annual plant in temperate climates, i.e., mid-Atlantic region. 

The following post was submitted by  staff member Maggie Wiles.

Lantana's aromatic flower clusters, also known as “Spanish Flags,” are typically a mix of red, orange, yellow florets with newer varieties arriving annually. The flowers change color as they mature, resulting in inflorescences that are two- or three-colored. A common name for Lantana camara is "Ham 'n Eggs" due to the adjacent pink and yellow in florescences.

Some weaverbirds, e.g. the black-throated weaver and the streaked weaver, highly value Lantana flowers for decorating their nests. An ability to procure spectacular and innovative decorations appears to be desired by females, and consequently is an indicator of the males' fitness. Lantanas are also useful as honey plants in butterfly gardening, attracting most notably, swallowtail and bird-wing butterflies.

Lantana thrives in harsh growing conditions like poor soil and close to salt spray. They require full sun and are drought tolerant once established. During their blooming period, give them a thorough watering once a week and prune periodically during summer by lightly shearing the tip growth. 

Water and lightly fertilize newly cut back plants and they will return to bloom quickly.

Lantana are a beautiful, easy-to-grow annual that provides a festive flowering show all summer long … and a welcome sight for birds and butterflies.