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Photo above represents the mid-morning flower color of Sonset Lantana in our trial garden.
 
Photo above represents the late-afternoon flower color of Sonset Lantana in our trial garden.
Lantana 'Sonset'
Lantana camara
Category: Sun-loving perennial, butterfly & hummingbird magnet, deer resistant
 
Height:
  18-24"
Width:
  36-48"
Exposure:
  Full Sun or Partial Shade
Bloom Color:
  Yellow, orange, red, rose
Bloom Period:
  Late Spring through Fall!
Water:
  Low once established
Foliage:
  Handsome, dark green
Zone:
  7-10
 

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.

 

 

 

Planting and Care

Hardy in Zones 7-10

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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