Family
- Verbenaceae
Also called Shrub Verbena, the Genus Lantana has been so widely
hybridized that it can be difficult to distinguish one amongst the many.
Florida has it own native
Lantana species,
L. canescens, L. involucrata and L. depressa,
the last of which includes 3 varieties, again these are difficult to
separate taxonomically and are classified differently by various
experts.
U.S.D.A. Zones - 7, 11.
Grows and blooms year round in frost free locations, may be treated as
an annual in colder parts of the state.
The most popular varieties
of Lantana used in Florida landscaping today are the low growing,
mounding types that are usually used for ground covers, borders,
containers and mixed beds. Other, larger varieties can be used as shrub
hedges or screens.
Many colors are available,
including reds, yellow/gold, orange, lavender and blues.
Yellow (or gold if you
prefer) varieties are often sold as being plants that are "native" to
Florida, a claim that is highly unlikely to be true. Lantana is fast
growing with regular watering, otherwise it is drought tolerant when
established, as well as resistant to salt air, making it a good choice
for seaside landscapes.
All parts of Lantana camara are poisonous if ingested. Sensitive
individuals may get a rash or skin irritation from handling plants.
Classified as an invasive exotic in the state of Florida, it escapes
into the wild, displacing native plants and animals.
Landscapers & land owners can avoid contributing to this problem by
planting only sterile hybrids.
|
 |
