A cute bumble bee enjoying a sip of nectar from a lantana flower

If you’re looking to add some vibrant color and attract pollinators to your garden, Lantana plants are a low-maintenance option for year-round flowers in warm frost-free regions. In this blog post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about growing these beautiful Lantana flowers, from planting them in your garden to attracting pollinators. We’ll also provide some additional tips for keeping your Lantana plants healthy and flowering all season long. So read on to learn more!

Where do Lantana plants originate from, and why are they important for gardens

Lantana plants are a genus of about 150 species of flowering plants in the verbena family, Verbenaceae. They are native to tropical regions of the Americas and Africa but have been introduced to other areas, including the United States, where they are considered invasive in some states (Florida and Hawaii). The lantana plant is a tender perennial that is usually grown as an annual in most parts of the country.

Beautiful orange and yellow upright bush lantana flowers

It is a heat-loving plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Lantana plants come in a wide range of colors, including pink, purple, red, white, and yellow. They are relatively low-maintenance plants that are resistant to deer and rabbits. However, they can be susceptible to powdery mildew, root rot, and rust if not given enough water or if they are planted in poorly drained soil.

The lantana plant is a beautiful addition to any garden, and it’s also quite easy to care for. Here are a few facts about this lovely plant:

– The lantana plant is native to tropical regions, so it’s used to warm weather. In fact, it will actually begin to bloom earlier in the season if the temperature is warmer.

– The lantana plant is not particularly picky about soil, but it does prefer well-drained soil.

Close up of a cute white lantana flower

– The lantana plant is considered to be drought-tolerant, so you don’t have to worry about watering it too often. Just make sure to give it a good soaking every now and then.

– Some lantana varieties can reach up to six feet in height, but there are also trailing lantana varieties that can be used as ground cover.

– The lantana plant blooms from late spring through fall, year-round, in zones 9-10, and the flowers come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, and purple.

With its cheerful flowers and easy care requirements, the lantana plant is a great addition to any garden!

How to plant Lantana flowers in your garden

Butterfly flying towards a lantana plants with pretty pink and yellow flowers

Lantana flowers are a beautiful addition to any garden, and they’re relatively easy to care for. When planting, be sure to choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. You can either sow the seeds directly in the ground or start them indoors in peat pots. If starting indoors, wait until the seedlings are several inches tall before transplanting them into the garden.

Once they’re in the ground, water them deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells. Lantanas are fairly drought-tolerant, but they’ll bloom more profusely if given sufficient moisture. With a little care, you’ll soon have a riot of color in your garden thanks to these lovely flowers.

What kind of pollinators will be drawn to your garden with Lantana flowers

Native bee visiting bright yellow lantana flowers

Lantana flowers are a type of flowering plant that blooms in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, and orange. These vibrant flowers are not only beautiful to look at, but they also attract a variety of insects. One type of insect that is drawn to Lantana flowers is bees. Honey bees and small native bees frequent our lantana patches.

Sphinx moth sipping from orange lantana flower

We also have large beds full of white lantana flowers. During the warm summer evenings here in Phoenix, Arizona, we notice large sphinx moths visiting the flowers. Especially right at dusk. The flowers practically glow in the moonlight. It is a magical experience right in our backyard!

Our patio with trailing white lantana under bougainvillea bushes.

Another type of insect that is attracted to Lantana flowers is butterflies. These colorful creatures feed on the nectar from the flowers, and they also help to pollinate the plants. The flat landing pad the flowers create while in bloom is ideal for butterflies.

In addition, ladybugs and lacewings are often drawn to Lantana flowers. These predators help to control the population of pests that can damage plants. As a result, Lantana flowers provide food and shelter for a variety of different insects.

Lantana flowers also attract hummingbirds! As it turns out, there are a few reasons for this. First of all, lantana flowers are a great source of nectar for birds. The flowers are small, but there are a ton of them in a small area. The sugar content in nectar provides them with energy, and the pollen is a valuable source of protein. In addition, the brightly-colored flowers of lantana are very attractive to birds. The vivid colors stand out against the green foliage, making it easy for birds to spot them from a distance.

How to care for Lantana flowers in your garden

A desert landscape is not complete without lantana bushes

Lantana flowers are beautiful and vibrant, adding a touch of color to any garden. They’re also easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginning gardeners. Here are a few tips for keeping your Lantana flowers healthy and happy:

First, make sure to plant them in an area that gets plenty of sunlight. Lantana flowers need at least six hours of sunlight each day in order to bloom properly.

A mix of trailing lantana flowers cascading over a decorative wall.

Secondly, water them regularly. The soil around your Lantana flowers should be moist but not soggy. Over-watering can cause the roots to rot, so be sure to check the soil before watering.

Third, fertilize your Lantana flowers regularly. A good general-purpose fertilizer will do the trick. Apply it according to the package directions, and be sure not to over-fertilize, as this can burn the roots.

Find a list of our favorite fertilizers here: 7 Best Garden Soil Amendments and Fertilizers. 

Finally, deadhead the spent flowers regularly. This will encourage new blooms and keep your Lantana flowers looking their best.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy beautiful Lantana flowers all season long!

Flowering time for Lantana plants

A spotted butterfly drinking for orange lantana flowers

Lantanas typically bloom in the summer months in cool climates, but they can also bloom at other times of the year, depending on the variety and location. Some varieties of lantana will even re-bloom after being cut back, making them a great choice for gardens and landscaping. Whether you’re looking for a pop of color in your garden or simply enjoying the beauty of these colorful flowers, lantanas are a great choice.

Types of Lantana plants and their growing habit

Lantana plants come in all shapes and sizes. Some varieties, like the trailing lantana, have a tendency to sprawl. Others, like the shrub lantana, are more compact. Then some varieties fall somewhere in between, like the bush lantana. The growth habit of a lantana plant can have a big impact on its overall appearance. Trailing lantanas are often used as ground cover, while shrub and bush varieties are more commonly used as accent plants or foundation plantings.

A very mature lantana plant that have been trained in to a tree form at a local nursery.

Some of the bush varieties can even be trained into a small tree form! No matter what type of lantana you choose, you’re sure to end up with a plant that adds beauty and interest to your landscape.

Additional tips for growing beautiful Lantana flowers in your garden

Lantana is a beautiful flowering plant that is perfect for adding a splash of color to any garden. Although Lantana is generally easy to care for, there are a few things that you can do to help your plants thrive. First, make sure to plant your Lantana in an area that receives full sun. The more sun that your plants get, the more vibrant their flowers will be.

Purple trailing lantana thriving in a pot at the front gate.

Lantana also does great in containers. Make sure your potting soil is well draining, and your plant gets plenty of sun. Since water can leach out nutrients, it is helpful to fertilize more often for frequent bountiful flowers. Planting lantana in pots will also allow you to bring your plant into a sheltered area during cold weather.

Lantana flowering in a small pot.

Second, be sure to water your Lantana regularly, especially during hot, dry spells. If the leaves start to turn brown or wilt, it is a sign that your plants are thirsty. Finally, remember to fertilize your Lantana every few weeks. This will help them grow strong and produce lots of beautiful blooms. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy bountiful blooms all season long and help the pollinators, and beneficial insects in your yard thrive!

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