Sonset
lantana was discovered in Clinton, Miss.,
and it may rival or equal 'Miss Huff' lantana
as the most hardy lantana we've found yet.
The plants in our trial gardens begin to
emerge from dormancy in early April - about
a month in advance of other hardy lantanas.
In addition to being the most hardy lantana,
Sonset may also be the most beautiful lantana
in existence. The rich, vibrant flower colors
change so fast you can almost see it with
the naked eye.
Sonset
starts off yellow and is followed by orange
changing to red, then magenta and purple.
You will even find tiny petals with more
than one color.
The
flowers are amazing: You can look at them
at 8 a.m., and they will be a different
color two hours later. They provide a kaleidoscope
of ever-changing colors throughout the day.
The plants are vigorous, but at just the
right pace. The colors are brilliant.
Sonset
Lantana is a non-stop bloomer reaching 2
to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. The
hummingbirds prefer this lantana. Maybe
it is the color, the size of the flower
or a special, tasty nectar. Regardless,
the hummingbirds and butterflies will find
them. Plant the Sonset in front of or adjacent
to Black & Blue salvia for a hummingbird
and butterfly paradise!
The
Sonset lantana needs full sun and a fertile
well-drained bed to develop these vibrant
colors. After they are established, they
are very drought-tolerant. During the years
of low rainfall and drought, it is the lantana
that makes the landscape sizzle.
Planting
and Care
Choose
a spot in five hours or more of sun. Can
be grown in the ground or in pots. Well-drained
soil is a must.
Enhance
garden soil with compost, such as Claycutter,
Mushroom Compost or Composted Cow Manure.
After
planting, water regularly until established,
but be careful not to over-water as lantana
does not like wet feet. Once quickly established,
lantana will rarely require water, even
during prolonged periods of drought.
For
best bloom production, fertilize every 6
weeks during the warm season with a good
flower food or Milorganite.
Do
not prune lantana in Fall. Prune one time
a year in early spring (February or March).
Fall pruning will ensure death of the plant.
The
best time to prune lantana is when new growth
has begun to emerge in spring. Simply remove
old branches from which no new growth is
emerging.
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