Pink Lantana

Plant Type: perennial
Plant Height: 2-3 feet
Spread: 2-4 feet
Flower Color: pink
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Pink Lantana (Lantana camara 'Pink') – Drought-Resistant, Pollinator-Friendly Perennial for Phoenix Valley Gardens

Add a splash of color to your Phoenix Valley landscape with Pink Lantana, a resilient perennial known for its striking, pink flower clusters and low-maintenance nature. Scientifically known as Lantana camara 'Pink,' this vibrant plant blooms continuously from spring through fall, creating a stunning display that attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for Arizona gardeners focused on supporting local wildlife.

Distinctive Features of Pink Lantana

Pink Lantana reaches 2 to 3 feet in height with a spread of 2 to 4 feet, forming a lush, mounded shape perfect for a variety of landscaping uses. The flowers bloom in shades ranging from soft, pale pink to vivid, intense hues, creating a dynamic and visually captivating display that enlivens any garden setting. The plant’s dark green foliage offers a contrasting backdrop, enhancing the beauty of the pink blooms and adding texture to the landscape.

Beyond its ornamental appeal, Pink Lantana is known for its adaptability and tolerance to harsh conditions, making it well-suited for Phoenix’s intense sun and heat. With a long blooming season and minimal care requirements, this lantana variety is a reliable choice for year-round color in arid landscapes.

A Water-Wise Choice for Arizona’s Arid Climate

Pink Lantana is a drought-tolerant perennial that thrives in well-drained soil, making it ideal for xeriscaping, sustainable landscapes, and water-conscious gardens. Once established, it requires minimal watering, supporting eco-friendly gardening practices that conserve water in the Phoenix Valley. By choosing Pink Lantana, gardeners can achieve a vibrant, colorful landscape without relying heavily on irrigation, ideal for Arizona’s dry climate.

Versatile Uses for Pink Lantana in Phoenix Valley Landscaping

• Ground Cover for Sunny Areas: With its spreading, bushy growth, Pink Lantana is an excellent choice for ground cover in sunny spots, providing colorful, low-maintenance foliage that suppresses weeds and enhances soil retention.

• Borders and Edging: The compact, mounded form of Pink Lantana makes it perfect for front borders and edging, where its vibrant pink blooms can define garden spaces and pathways.

• Container Gardens for Patios and Decks: Pink Lantana’s manageable size and vivid blooms make it ideal for container gardening, adding lively color to patios, balconies, and other outdoor seating areas.

• Butterfly and Pollinator Gardens: With its nectar-rich flowers, Pink Lantana attracts butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects, adding ecological value to your landscape and enhancing local biodiversity.

Care Tips for Growing Pink Lantana in Phoenix

Pink Lantana thrives in full sun and performs best in well-draining soil. While drought-tolerant, occasional deep watering during the hottest months will help support more abundant blooms. For enhanced flowering and bushier growth, apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year and consider a light trim in late winter or early spring. Pink Lantana’s low-maintenance nature makes it perfect for busy gardeners seeking long-lasting color with minimal upkeep.

Why Pink Lantana is Perfect for Phoenix Landscapes

Pink Lantana offers Phoenix Valley gardeners a beautiful, resilient plant that withstands the area’s extreme heat and arid conditions. Its continuous blooms, attraction to pollinators, and drought resistance make it a valuable addition to any desert landscape. Whether you’re designing a butterfly garden, adding color to a xeriscape, or looking for a low-maintenance container plant, Pink Lantana is an ideal choice that brings vibrant color and effortless charm to any Arizona garden.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Pink Lantana

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and blooming)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 1-2 feet apart for a compact, spreading growth habit
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Pink Lantana is a low-growing shrub that requires no staking, ideal for ground cover or as a compact border

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Pink Lantana is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 6-12 inches away from the base of the plant for even watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks