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
about 2 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.
|