|
Wilson
Bros. Observations
Aside from being highly attractive
flowering plants, lantana's
are the single best perennials
for attracting butterflies.
All varieties produce an abundance
of nectar-rich flower clusters
from May to frost that are
absolute butterfly magnets!
'New Gold' and 'Mozelle' are
lower growing and a good choice
for the border, while the
larger growing 'Pink Caprice'
and 'Miss Huff's Hardy' are
great for the mid or background.
Culture
Soil:
Well-drained soil
Light:
Full Sun - will tolerate some
afternoon shade
Usage
Plant lantanas anywhere in
the landscape that receives
at least 6 hours of sun. We
like to combine lantanas with
other butterfly
attracting perennials
in a deck or pool-side butterfly
garden.
Planting
- Plant lantana as you would
most other perennials making
sure that there is good drainage.
(Do not plant in boggy or
consistently wet soils). Dig
the hole two to three times
the width and no deeper than
the rootball. Mix in a good
soil ammendment such as Claycutter
or Mushroom Compost at a 50/50
ratio with the soil removed
from hole. Place rootball
in hole making sure that top
edge of the rootball is at
or slightly above the ground
level. Backfill with soil
mixture to top edge of rootball.
For more detailed instructions
and a diagram see Planting
Instructions for Perennials.
Care
Pruning
-
WARNING:
Pruning
lantanas in Fall ensures death
of the plant. Wait
to prune and remove old wood
on lantanas until new growth
begins to emerge in mid-Spring.
Light pruning or shearing
during summer is ok.
Fertilization
- Fertilization
is not absolutely necessary,
however a periodic dose during
the growing season of a good
flower food such as Colorburst,
or an organic fertilizer such
as Milorganite
will keep the foliage
dark green and enhance flower
production. Cease fertilization
in late summer.
Watering
- Once established, lantanas
are among the most drought
tolerant perennial plants.
They will sail through even
the worst drought with no
watering at all.
Known
Pests: We've
found lantanas to be completely
insect, deer and disease resistant.
| Companion
Plants for Lantana 'Mozelle' |
| Shrubs
- Barberries, Spireas,
Loropetalums, Abelias,
Junipers, Hollies
and other drought
tolerant shrubs
or sun-loving
shrubs. |
| |
| Ornamental
Grasses
- Maiden Grass,
Pampas Grass, Muhly
Grass and other
hardy ornamental
grasses. |
| |
| Perennials
- Other Lantanas,
Daylilies, Sedums,
Verbenas and other
sun-loving
perennials or
drought
tolerant perennials
or perennials
for attracting butterflies. |
| |
| Trees
- Combines especially
well with tree palms
such as the hardy
Windmill Palm. Also
combines well with
Japanese
Maples, Crape
Myrtles, Oaks,
Maples, Elms, Wax
Myrtles and other
trees
that tolerate dry
conditions. |
| |
Tropicals
-
Mandevilla
vines, Tropical
Hibiscus, Allamanda,
Sago Palm and
other tropicals.
|
| |
| Groundcovers
- Ice Plant, low-growing
Junipers, Dianthus,
Sedums, and other
non-invasive sun-lovers. |
|
| |
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2006
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