Lantastic Pink

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 tolerates even the sunniest spots well, 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, whether multicoloured or monochrome.

Variety description

Lantana ‘Lantastic’ has a rounded, compact habit. It is ideal for high-density planting. During the summer, it is one of the species best able to withstand full sun. In flowerbeds, it tolerates the sunniest spots like few other flowering plants. In Mediterranean climates, it can become a perennial. When grown in pots, it withstands the sun well but must not be neglected when it comes to watering, as it may easily lose its flowers.

Curiosities 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, and a type of ink is also extracted from the fruits.

Origin and distribution

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 showy 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 in terms of their growth vigour and the colour tones of their flowers. Over the centuries, owing 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 elliptical, lanceolate blade which is slightly rough to the touch and slightly hairy; furthermore, in some varieties, it gives off a strong aroma when rubbed.

Leaf colour

Solid colours, harmonising with the flowers.

Plant height

The plant ranges in height from 0.2 to 0.35 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.

Where to plant

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

Stem

Herbaceous, semi-woody stem; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is pom-pom-shaped, small, with a tubular corolla and plain petals. It is arranged in umbrella-like inflorescences of medium size. It flowers from early spring to mid-autumn, with a flowering period of between 180 and 240 days. It is lemon-scented, with a fruity aroma. It is attractive to bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

It has a compact growth habit, 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 growth 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 gently 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 18 and 26 °C; under these conditions, the plant exhibits maximum vegetative growth and the best flowering. The biological temperature range is between 10 and 35 °C. It adapts well to the hot summer climates of the Mediterranean region, where it can become perennial. The survival temperature range is between -2 and 35 °C.

Use

Owing to its spectacular blooms and hardiness, it is considered an ideal plant for:
Ornamental use Landscaping

Hardiness

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

Soil

It prefers soils of medium texture that are light, loose and well-drained, 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 in an even layer of sand 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.

Difficulty

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

Growing tips

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

Combinations with other plants

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 of16 plants per square metre in order to ensure proper spacing between each individual plant and, consequently, a compact and proportionate 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.

Propagation

It is multiplied by seed or by apical cutting.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively tap water with an optimal sub-acidic pH, either by hand or via an irrigation system. When transplanting, support the seedling in its new location by maintaining a constant level of moisture in the soil, but without over-watering.

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.

Fertilising

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.

Toxicity for humans

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

Tip

It is a variety that is highly resistant to both heat and cold, and becomes evergreen in Mediterranean climates. In continental climates, it can become evergreen if protected in winter with non-woven fabric when temperatures drop below zero. Avoid overwatering, as this could lead to root rot and the loss of flowers. For abundant flowering and vigorous growth, it is advisable to fertilise at least every 15 days, even in summer. In a flowerbed, it is advisable to work a slow-release fertiliser lasting 5–6 months into the soil at a rate of 180–200 g/m².