Those that need a splash of color during this hot weather may want to consider planting lantanas. Lantanas are an excellent choice for our landscapes, especially with the hot weather we’ve experienced over the past few weeks. It is one of the most heat-tolerant, colorful bedding plants that can also be utilized in container and window boxes.
Lantana has an advantage of not only being heat tolerant but the plant can also withstand poor, dry growing conditions. Another plus is that deer find the citrus-scented foliage unpalatable, so it’s deer-proof.
The plant acclimates a few weeks after planting. Be sure to keep the plants well-watered for the first two weeks. When established, they quickly spread, displaying colorful blooms attracting butterflies, bees and other insect pollinators.
These plants are best utilized in mass plantings in the landscape or as spot of color in baskets and planters. The most dominant color available at garden centers is yellow and orange, but the floral color may also range from solid white to light blue.
Some lantana cultivars reach heights of three to four feet, so choose carefully where you place these plants.
Lantanas are perennials, but survive as annuals in our climate; however, there are a few cultivars that can survive year-round. It’s not too late to plant if you can still find them.
Lantanas will continue to bloom and thrive until frost.