Lantana ‘Dallas Red’

Lantana camara x ‘Dallas Red’

Characteristics

Culture

Lantana ‘Dallas Red’ has a great show of fiery red, orange and yellow flowers which are irresistible to hummingbirds, butterflies and other useful pollinators. The brilliant blooms tend to turn red with age, but remain constant bloomers in zones with hot climates.   Showy cymes of red flowers with orange overtones and yellow centers at the ends of the branches are features from early summer to mid fall. Large clusters of red flowers that fade to orange and yellow with maturity.   

Noteworthy Characteristics

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 16 inches apart. It has a low canopy. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years. This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments.

Problems

It has no significant negative characteristics.  Parts of the plant are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets.  There is one plant treatment that doesn’t seem to faze most other plants but can kill lantana—never spray it with insecticidal soap. That common pest treatment can kill a lantana. Most insects know better than to mess with lantana anyway.

Garden Uses

Mass planting, border, edging, container, hanging baskets.