Bandana Cherry

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Verbenaceae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Lantana

Species

camara

Description

An ornamental plant with a compact, globular habit; very hardy, vigorous and easy to care for. Ideal both for use in flowerbeds – including as a traffic island – where it copes well with the sunniest spots, and for decorating terraces and balconies in planters or pots. It adapts well to the summer heat, becoming perennial in areas with a Mediterranean climate. Its abundant and fragrant flowering, which attracts butterflies and other beneficial insects, lasts from early spring until mid-summer, with a profusion of flowers in warm, vibrant shades, both multicoloured and monochromatic.

Varietal description

Early-flowering, with a compact, upright and rounded habit. Ideal for high-density planting. In flowerbeds, it tolerates the sunniest spots better than almost any other flowering plant. Requires a warm growing environment immediately after planting. It suffers from waterlogging when grown in containers, particularly during months with short days, whilst in summer it is one of the species most resistant to full sun, even in Mediterranean climates. In Mediterranean areas, it can become perennial.

curiosity and special features

The botanical name Lantana derives from the Latin ‘lénto’, meaning ‘slow to bend’, in reference to its often curved stems, whilst the specific epithet ‘camara’ derives from the Greek ‘kamara’, meaning ‘dome’, perhaps in relation to the shape of the fruits.

The name ‘Lantana’, previously applied to Viburnum– whose species V. lantana has leaves similar to those ofLantana camara – was assignedto itby Linnaeus.

In its native regions, the wild form is used in folk medicine; furthermore, a type of ink is extracted from the fruits.

Origin and Diffusion

Native to the central and southern regions of the Americas, where some wild forms are regarded as weeds due to their vigorous growth; it was discovered in Brazil and imported to Europe in the 19th century as an ornamental plant with striking flowers to adorn parks and gardens, becoming one of the most sought-after plants for greenhouse cultivation and subsequently the subject of intensive genetic improvement work, which led to theintroduction of many varieties that differ from one another in terms of growth vigour and the colour tones of their flowers. Over the centuries, due to its high hardiness and tolerance of different habitats, its geographical range has become increasingly widespread, extending as far as Australia, India and Africa.

Leaf

The leaf has an oval blade that is slightly rough to the touch and slightly hairy; furthermore, in some varieties, it gives off a strong aroma when rubbed.

Leaf color

Solid colours, harmonising with the flowers.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.2 and 0.4 m, making it an excellent choice for compact, colourful ornamental displays, and it can also be combined with taller flowering species to create scenic perspectives.

Lifespan

A perennial plant in Mediterranean climates, it is often cultivated as an Annual in areas with harsh winters.

Suggested planting locations

With its high decorative value, it is suitable for enhancing green spaces, whether large-scale landscape features or smaller areas; indeed , it is the ideal solution for use in flowerbeds, balconies, terraces, planters, traffic island flowerbeds and window boxes.

Stem/stem

Herbaceous stem; this variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is pom-pom-shaped, small to medium in size, with solid-coloured petals. It grows in umbrella-shaped inflorescences. It flowers from early spring to mid-summer, with a flowering period of between 130 and 180 days. It has citrus notes, is slightly fragrant, and has a delicate aroma. It attracts bees and bumblebees.

Growth

It grows in a compact form, making it ideal for landscape arrangements in flowerbeds or for decorating terraces and balconies in planters and pots.

Plant habit

A variety with a rounded habit, ideal for creating arrangements with other ornamental species of varying heights to achieve a sense of depth.

branching

It develops abundant branching with a well-proportioned ratio of foliage to flowers.

pH

The optimal pH of the soil or medium for Lantana camara is slightly acidic, between 5.6 and 6.1.

soil preparation

Before transplanting into the garden in spring, give the soil a light dig, removing any weeds and large stones, then work in some organic or chemical fertiliser and, using a spade, break up the larger clods. To improve drainage of excess water and prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot, create a raised bed by slightly mounding the soil; finally, level the surface and prepare the planting holes at a suitable density.

sun exposure

It prefers a position in full sun or afternoon sun; light is of paramount importance, as lantana requires direct sunlight to produce abundant and prolonged flowering.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 16 and 24 °C; under these conditions, the plant exhibits maximum vegetative growth and the best flowering. The biological temperature range is between 5 and 35 °C. It adapts well to the hot summers of the Mediterranean region, where it can become perennial. The survival temperature range is between -2 and 43 °C.

Use

Thanks to its spectacular blooms and hardiness, it is considered an ideal plant for:
Ornamental use Outdoor landscape design Landscaping

Hardiness

It is highly hardy and adapts well to hot, dry climates.

Soil/medium

It prefers medium-textured, light, loose and well-drained soil, as it is susceptible to waterlogging, which can lead to the development of fungal diseases and consequent root rot, causing the entire plant to die; if the soil is excessively compact, it is advisable to work sand evenly into the soil before transplanting.

For pots and planters, use a growing medium for spring-flowering plants based on peat and perlite; also place an inert material such as gravel at the bottom to aid drainage.

Maintenance

Easy to manage, it is an optimal solution for ornamenting gardens, flowerbeds and terraces without requiring any particular effort in its maintenance.

cultivation tips

To achieve lush vegetative growth and excellent flowering, it is essential to understand and follow the specific cultivation requirements for this variety:
Plants will not flower in low light Avoid overwatering Ensure at least 6 hours of direct light Keep the growing medium dry at low temperatures It prefers a hot, dry climate

Composition

Suitable for creating colourful landscape effects and dynamic movement when combined with Canna indica, Cosmos, Gomphrena globosa, Helichrysum petiolare, Miscanthus sinensis, Rudbeckia hirta, Salvia farinacea and Senecio cineraria.

planting

For planting in the garden or in a flowerbed, we recommend an average density of18 plants per square metre in order to ensure adequate spacing between each individual plant and, consequently, a compact and well-proportioned final arrangement. We suggest placing each seedling in a raised bed with the root collar above ground level, taking care not to damage the roots, and watering immediately after planting, preferably in the morning.

Reproduction/Propagation

It is multiplied by seed or by apical cutting.

Irrigation

Use rainwater, or alternatively tap water with an optimal sub-acidic pH, either by hand or via an irrigation system. When transplanting, help the seedling settle into its new location by keeping the soil at a constant moisture level, but without overwatering.

Thereafter, it is advisable to allow the soil or growing medium to dry out slightly between waterings, avoiding both periods of drought – which cause premature flower drop – and waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. It is best not to water the foliage of the plant in the late afternoon or evening to prevent the development of fungal diseases and to avoid damaging the flowers.

Fertilization

To encourage the growth and development of large, colourful flower heads, establish a fertilisation programme during the spring and summer months by adding a liquid fertiliser for ornamental flowering plants – to be diluted in the watering water – or a slow-release fertiliser to the soil or growing medium.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Human toxicity

Parts of the plant, such as green and unripe fruits, are toxic to humans if ingested.

advise 1

This variety does not require winter protection in the Mediterranean region. It is one of the most heat-tolerant varieties, whether grown in beds or in pots. When grown in a container with little soil, it does not cope well with periods of drought.