Rose Lantana

Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub/Perennial (in frost-free areas)
Plant Height: 2-4 feet
Spread: 3-6 feet
Flower Color: Rose-pink, sometimes with yellow/orange centers
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Rose Lantana: Hardy Color for Arizona Gardens

The Rose Lantana (Lantana camara) is a vibrant, sun-loving shrub that delivers continuous color in Arizona landscapes. With clusters of cheerful pink blossoms, sometimes accented by yellow or orange, this hardy plant thrives in the heat and sun, making it a popular choice for low-maintenance gardens in the Phoenix Valley. Its long bloom season, drought tolerance, and pollinator appeal make it a landscape favorite.

Key Features of Rose Lantana

• Continuous Blooms: Produces flowers from spring through late fall, with peak color in summer.
• Heat & Drought Tolerance: Thrives in hot, dry conditions with minimal care once established.
• Pollinator Friendly: Flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.
• Versatile Growth: Can be shaped into mounds, borders, or cascading accents on slopes and walls.

Growing and Care Tips

• Soil: Adaptable to most well-drained soils, including sandy and rocky areas.
• Water: Moderate water during establishment; very low once mature.
• Pruning: Light pruning keeps plants compact and encourages new blooms.
• Cold Tolerance: Can be damaged by frost but usually recovers in spring; evergreen in mild winters.

Landscaping Uses

• Colorful Borders: Works well as edging along pathways or garden beds.
• Slopes & Banks: Effective for erosion control while providing bold color.
• Containers & Pots: A reliable option for patios and courtyards.
• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds throughout the bloom season.

Summary

Rose Lantana is a tough, colorful shrub perfect for Arizona gardens. With its non-stop blooms, drought resistance, and pollinator value, it’s an easy-care solution for homeowners wanting vibrant, long-lasting color in their landscape.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):

Rose Lantana Planting Guide

Location: Full sun for best flowering and dense growth.
Soil: Well-drained soil; thrives in sandy, rocky, or loamy soils.
Spacing: Plant 3-4 feet apart for borders, 5-6 feet apart for mass plantings.
Planting Depth: Place root ball level with surrounding soil and firm gently.
Support: None required; naturally forms a mounded shape.

Watering Guide

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly after planting.
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2 weeks, then once weekly for 1-2 months.
• Amount: Provide 2-3 gallons per watering, ensuring soil is moist but not soggy.

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Typically 2-3 months in warm growing seasons.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 10-14 days. Increase to once per week in extreme heat.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks if rainfall is absent.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: 8-12 inches from the plant’s base.
• Flow Rate: 1 gallon per hour emitters recommended.
• Number of Emitters: 1-2 per plant, depending on size.
• Adjusting Frequency: Increase in peak bloom or extreme heat; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Rose Lantana

• Soil Check: Allow top 2-3 inches of soil to dry before watering again.
• Avoid Overwatering: Lantana is drought-hardy and prefers drier conditions once established.
• Mulch: Apply decorative rock mulch around the plant to conserve moisture and reduce weeds, but keep mulch away from direct contact with the crown.