Lantana ‘Little Lucky™ Lavender’: A Vibrant Addition to Your Garden
Overview
Lantana ‘Little Lucky™ Lavender’, also known as Little Lucky™ Lavender Lantana, is a robust and sun-loving evergreen shrub. This cultivar, part of the Lucky Series, is known for its compact, bushy growth habit and its ability to produce an abundance of brightly colored flower clusters from late spring to fall. The blooms, featuring a delicate combination of lavender, cream, and buttery yellow, are not only visually stunning but also attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding dynamic life to any garden.
Plant Family
- Family: Verbenaceae
- Genus: Lantana
- Species: Lantana camara
- Cultivar: Little Lucky™ Lavender
Description
Lantana ‘Little Lucky™ Lavender’ is a compact evergreen shrub that forms a bushy mound of dark green foliage. The leaves are ovate, toothed, and wrinkled, releasing a pungent aroma when bruised. The plant blooms continuously from late spring to fall, showcasing clusters of flowers that feature a combination of lavender, cream, and buttery yellow. These vibrant blooms are particularly attractive to pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds.
This lantana variety is known for its resilience and adaptability. It thrives in extreme heat, humidity, and drought conditions, and it is also salt tolerant, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens. The plant’s controlled growth habit and long season of reliable bloom make it ideal for small gardens and containers.
Growing Care
- Height: 12-16 inches (30-40 cm)
- Width: 12-14 inches (30-35 cm)
- Spacing: 10 inches (25 cm)
- Light Requirement: Full sun
- Soil: Average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerant of all soil types provided they are well-drained and slightly acidic.
- Water: Light watering is needed. Keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Blooming Season: Spring, Late Spring, Summer, Late Summer
- Hardiness Degree: 32°F (0°C)
Special Features
- Flower Attributes: Showy cymes of lavender flowers with yellow eyes.
- Foliage: Tomentose, pointy leaves that remain green throughout the year.
- Deer Resistant: Deer tend to leave it alone in favor of other plants.
- Drought Tolerant: Suitable for low-water gardens or xeriscapes.
- Salt Tolerant: Ideal for coastal plantings.
- Attracts Pollinators: Particularly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Toxicity: Highly toxic if ingested. Care should be taken when planting around children and pets. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling.
Care Instructions for Lantana ‘Little Lucky™ Lavender’
- Watering: Provide light and regular watering. Ensure the soil is well-drained to avoid root rot. Reduce frequency once the plant is established.
- Fertilization: Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer.
- Pruning: Prune back plants after the first flowering to shape and encourage additional bud growth. Minimal pruning is required, primarily to remove dieback.
- Light: Requires full sun for optimal growth and flowering. Tolerates partial shade but may bloom less profusely.
- Soil: Plant in average, well-drained soil. Although adaptable to various soil types, it prefers slightly acidic conditions.
Propagation
Lantana ‘Little Lucky™ Lavender’ can be propagated through cuttings:
- Cuttings: Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Use a clean, sharp pair of pruners to cut 3-4 inch (7.5-10 cm) stems. Remove the lower leaves and plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight until roots develop.
- Restrictions: As a cultivated variety, propagation may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions.
Landscape Uses
Lantana ‘Little Lucky™ Lavender’ is versatile and can be used in various landscape applications:
- Mass Planting: Creates a vibrant, colorful display.
- Border Edging: Adds definition and color to garden borders.
- General Garden Use: Provides a splash of color and attracts pollinators.
- Container Planting: Ideal for pots and hanging baskets due to its compact size.
- Hanging Baskets: Spills attractively over the edges of containers.
Conclusion
Lantana ‘Little Lucky™ Lavender’ is a resilient and attractive choice for gardeners looking to add vibrant color and dynamic life to their gardens. Its ability to thrive in various conditions, coupled with its long blooming season and minimal maintenance requirements, makes it a valuable addition to any landscape. Whether used in mass plantings, as border edging, or in containers, this lantana variety is sure to enhance the beauty and appeal of any garden setting.
