Lantana camara and montevidensis

Lantana camara

Please read carefully and keep for future reference

These colourful shrubs originate from South America and give a vibrant display of colourful clusters of flowers in summer. The flowers often change colour as they emerge and age giving a multi-coloured effect on the same plant.

Please remember that all parts are toxic if ingested. The berries which follow the flowers are perhaps of particular risk to animals and children who may be tempted to eat them. (These are black and shiny when ripe). They are best removed when seen or better still prevented from forming by dead-heading the finished flowering clusters to prevent the seed from developing. The seed pods are cone-shaped with spherical berry-like seed capsules which form around the outside. These are green initially ripening to a shiny black. Flower buds are flattened in shape.

As mentioned before these plants come from sub-tropical regions and are not hardy in the UK. They need to be kept in a heated greenhouse, conservatory or indoors during the winter months or when there is any risk of frost. We recommend they are kept above 10°C (50°F) They can be grown outside in the summer and make fantastic plants for a patio.

Maintenance

When potting on increase the pot size by no more than 4 inches in diameter and use a Loam based compost (John Innes no. 3) with a handful of grit mixed in for drainage. Dot this between spring and late summer when the plant is actively growing, not in winter when dormant.

In spring commence feeding with a balanced liquid fertiliser such as liquid growmore or seaweed extract. In summer you can switch to a high potash (potassium) feed. A fertiliser that you use to feed bedding plants or tomato plants will be suitable. Don’t feed the plants in the winter or when they are not showing signs of active growth.

Lantanas like plenty of sun but if you are growing them in a conservatory year round they may appreciate some light shading from the hot midday sun in summer. Your other plants will too!

Lightly prune to shape in spring and remove any dead growth. Dead-head after flowering. It is advisable to wear gloves when handling as the foliage can irritate the skin.