Lantana, Shrub Verbena

Lantana is indigenous to Mexico and Central America. It is a medium-sized, evergreen shrub reaching a height of 150 cm. The thin branches and dark-green, oval leaves are roughly haired. The inflorescence is composed of numerous, little flowers on many heads, which vary in colour from pink and yellow to red and orange. The leaves and flowers, which bloom throughout the year, have a strong fragrance. After flowering, green berries appear, which ripen to black. The entire plant is poisonous, especially the fruits. Lantanas can withstand very high temperatures and sun, but grow better with humidity. It is moderately tolerant of salinity and will grow on any soil type. Different cultivars are available such as L. c. ‘Fabiola’, flowering yellow-red-pink, L. c. ‘Nana’ flowers in yellow-orange-red on the same head and L. c. ‘Radiation’ flowers orange-red. L. camara is the garden relative of Lantana horrida, which is much more drought-tolerant, but even less frost-tolerant. Lantanas are best propagated by cuttings. They are versatile shrubs for arid regions forming natural screens, clipped hedges or splashes of colour. It is a popular shrub in urban areas, public open spaces and park planting. It is useful as low underplanting and in extensive landscapes; it will almost become naturalised. It is now quite wild in certain areas of the Diplomatic Quarter. Relatively low maintenance is required, and a dense, attractive shape is achieved by regular pruning. Occasional deep watering and feeding will also improve its appearance.