Lantana is considered an excellent plant for attracting hummingbirds to gardens. The bright, tubular flowers provide nectar that hummingbirds depend on. Lantana is hardy, heat-tolerant, and blooms through much of the warm season, providing a consistent nectar source. Many gardeners specifically grow lantana to draw in more hummingbirds.
What types of lantana attract hummingbirds?
Most common lantana varieties that produce clusters of red, orange, yellow, or pink flowers will attract hummingbirds. Some top choices include:
- Lantana camara – Also called common lantana, this fast-growing species comes in many cultivated varieties with flowers in multiple colors like red, yellow, orange, pink, and white.
- Lantana montevidensis – Known as trailing lantana, this is a spreading groundcover species with purple flowers that hummingbirds visit.
- ‘New Gold’ lantana – A popular yellow-flowered hybrid cultivar that thrives in heat.
- ‘Radiation’ lantana – Produces bold red and orange bicolor blooms that draw hummingbirds.
- ‘Chapel Hill Yellow’ – A favorite yellow-flowered variety.
In general, look for lantana varieties with bright, warm-colored blooms in reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks to attract the most hummingbirds.
When and where does lantana bloom?
One of the key advantages of lantana for hummingbird gardens is its long bloom season. In warm climates, lantana will bloom spring through fall. It peaks in summer and continues flowering well into fall in many areas. The blooms are produced in clusters or spikes along the wiry, spreading stems.
Lantana thrives with hot and sunny conditions. It does best in full sun exposures likeBright, direct sunlight helps fuel the prolific flower production that hummingbirds rely on. While lantana will tolerate some shade, it blooms less. Make sure to situate lantana in the sunniest part of the garden.
Does lantana spread or need pruning?
Common and trailing lantana are vigorous growers than can spread rapidly. To keep them in bounds, cut back plants after the initial spring bloom. Pruning encourages bushier, compact growth with more flower spikes. Cutting back periodically through the summer will also promote more blooms.
Many hybrid lantana varieties have been bred to be better-behaved in gardens. Look for compact hybrids that grow 12 to 18 inches tall and wide for easier maintenance. Pruning can help manage size and shape.
Is lantana easy to grow?
Lantana is very easy to grow in most climates. It thrives on heat and is extremely drought-tolerant once established. Lantana grows well in poor, even sandy soil with very little fertilizer needed. Established plants are also salt-tolerant.
Start new plants from nursery transplants or cuttings. Potted plants can be planted out any time soil temperatures reach 60°F. Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart in well-draining soil. Water regularly until plants become established, then water only occasionally. Apply a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a season.
Where should I plant lantana?
For the best flower production and hummingbird attraction, give lantana full sun and warmer conditions. Lantana makes an excellent addition to:
- Flower beds, borders, and butterfly gardens
- Containers on patios, porches, and decks
- Around trees and shrubs
- Along fences and walls
- Near hummingbird feeders
- On banks and slopes
Pair red, orange, and yellow lantana varieties together for a bold color impact. Or repeat the same color in drifts or rows for big visual impact that will attract more hummingbirds.
Does lantana spread or need pruning?
Common and trailing lantana are vigorous growers than can spread rapidly. To keep them in bounds, cut back plants after the initial spring bloom. Pruning encourages bushier, compact growth with more flower spikes. Cutting back periodically through the summer will also promote more blooms.
Many hybrid lantana varieties have been bred to be better-behaved in gardens. Look for compact hybrids that grow 12 to 18 inches tall and wide for easier maintenance. Pruning can help manage size and shape.
Is lantana easy to grow?
Lantana is very easy to grow in most climates. It thrives on heat and is extremely drought-tolerant once established. Lantana grows well in poor, even sandy soil with very little fertilizer needed. Established plants are also salt-tolerant.
Start new plants from nursery transplants or cuttings. Potted plants can be planted out any time soil temperatures reach 60°F. Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart in well-draining soil. Water regularly until plants become established, then water only occasionally. Apply a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a season.
Where should I plant lantana?
For the best flower production and hummingbird attraction, give lantana full sun and warmer conditions. Lantana makes an excellent addition to:
- Flower beds, borders, and butterfly gardens
- Containers on patios, porches, and decks
- Around trees and shrubs
- Along fences and walls
- Near hummingbird feeders
- On banks and slopes
Pair red, orange, and yellow lantana varieties together for a bold color impact. Or repeat the same color in drifts or rows for big visual impact that will attract more hummingbirds.
What care does lantana need?
Lantana requires very little care once established. It thrives on neglect. Follow these simple care tips:
- Water new transplants regularly until established, then water only when soil is partly dry. Avoid overwatering.
- Apply a balanced, granular fertilizer in early spring and again in midsummer if needed.
- Prune back plants by 1/3 to 1/2 in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
- Cut back and shape plants during summer to encourage more blooms.
- Watch for aphids and whiteflies, and treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays if infestations occur.
- Propagate lantana by taking 6-8 inch cuttings in spring or early summer. Root in potting mix.
What problems affect lantana?
Lantana is not bothered by many pests or diseases, especially when grown in full sun and well-draining soil. Potential issues to watch for include:
- Powdery mildew – Can occur in humid climates. Improve airflow and avoid wetting foliage.
- Root rot – Usually caused by overwatering. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
- Aphids – Common garden pests that can cluster on new growth. Knock off with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Whiteflies – Tiny flying insects that feed on undersides of leaves. Use sticky traps or horticultural oils.
Ensure lantana gets plenty of sun, prune periodically, and avoid overwatering for the healthiest growth and most flowers.
Should I deadhead spent lantana flowers?
Deadheading, or removing spent flower spikes, isn’t necessary for continued bloom. Lantana will flower freely without deadheading. However, removing faded flowers can help encourage more flower production and improve appearance.
Use pruning shears to cut back each cluster or spike down to the first set of leaves when flowers have died. Deadheading also prevents excessive self-seeding. Time deadheading for early morning or late afternoon when pollinators are less active.
How cold hardy is lantana?
Most lantana varieties are only marginally cold hardy and treated as annuals or replaced each year in cooler climates. However, plants can be overwintered in zones 9 and warmer if grown in protected areas.
Common lantana is hardy to around 20°F. Trailing lantana survives down to 10°F. Cold tolerance also depends on the variety. In marginal zones, cover plants or move containers indoors until spring.
Even when they don’t survive winter, lantanas often self-seed. New seedlings will emerge the following spring. Nurseries also sell new plants each year for replanting.
Can lantana grow in pots?
Lantana adapts very well to container growing. The best varieties for pots are compact hybrids that grow 12 to 24 inches tall and wide. Choose containers at least 10-12 inches wide and deep.
Use a commercial potting mix and make sure containers have drainage holes. Site containers in full sun. Fertilize monthly and keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Prune back plants during summer to control size and shape.
Overwinter containers in a protected location or indoors. Take cuttings in late summer or fall to carry varieties over winter if needed. The compact growth makes lantana an excellent hummingbird-friendly addition to decks, patios, and porches in pots.
What are some good companion plants?
Lantana looks beautiful paired with other hummingbird-attracting flowers like:
- Sages
- Salvias
- Cardinal flower
- Trumpet vine
- Columbine
- Coral bells
- Bee balm
Try combining different lantana varieties together for multi-colored impact. For example, plant mounds of ‘Chapel Hill Yellow’ alongside trailing purple lantana and orange ‘New Gold.’
Lantana also combines nicely with blue or purple flowers like verbena, lobelia, and morning glories. Intersperse lantana in perennial beds and borders. Or use it near entryways, foundations, and walkways.
Does lantana spread aggressively?
Some lantana species like common and trailing lantana can spread rapidly and become weedy in warm climates. However, most modern hybrids have been bred to be better behaved and less invasive in gardens.
Stick with compact hybrids, and prune plants back after the initial spring bloom. Cutting back periodically through summer will also restrict spread. Avoid letting plants go to seed.
If planting the more aggressive varieties, cut off spent flower spikes and limit self-seeding. Give plants space and use physical barriers like walkways and lawn edges to restrict the potential spread. More maintenance and pruning will be required.
Is lantana toxic?
Lantana contains toxins that can cause skin irritation and toxicity if eaten. All parts of the plant, including the berries, can be poisonous if ingested. Some people may experience skin irritation from handling lantana.
Keep lantana away pets and small children to prevent accidental exposure. Wear gloves when pruning plants or handling cut stems to prevent rashes. Discard cuttings promptly and do not compost.
Hummingbirds seem unaffected by the toxins as they feed on the nectar. But lantana is not considered edible and should be kept away from vegetables and food plants.
How do I harvest lantana seeds?
To collect seeds from favorite lantana plants:
- Allow several flower spikes or clusters to fade completely on the plants.
- Clusters will form green berry-like fruit as they finish blooming. Allow these to ripen fully.
- Once fruits turn dark in late summer or fall, cut off the mature clusters and place them in a paper bag.
- Hang clusters in a warm, dry spot for 1-2 weeks until fruits split and release seeds.
- Separate and clean seeds from debris and store seeds in envelopes or glass jars until the next planting season.
- Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last spring frost. Grow on for transplanting into the garden after danger of frost.
How do I propagate lantana?
Lantana is very easy to propagate from softwood cuttings during the growing season:
- Take 6-8 inch cuttings from the tips of healthy, established plants in spring and early summer.
- Strip leaves from the lower half of cuttings.
- Dip cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage more roots.
- Stick cuttings in pots filled with potting soil or vermiculite.
- Keep soil moist but not wet while cuttings root.
- New plants should root in 2-3 weeks. Transplant into gardens after last frost.
Taking cuttings from choice lantana plants is the easiest way to make more plants identical to the parent. Share cuttings with gardening friends.
Conclusion
With its non-stop flowers, heat tolerance, and low maintenance, lantana is one of the best plants for attracting hummingbirds. The brightly colored blooms provide a dependable source of nectar that hummingbirds depend on through the growing season. Plant lantana generously in full sun exposures where hummingbirds frequent and watch the aerial displays increase as they come to feed and nest.
