Lantana ‘Hot Blooded® Red’: A Bold, Ever-Blooming Garden Performer
Lantana ‘Hot Blooded® Red’, also known as Lantana camara ‘Hot Blooded®’, is a compact, heat-loving shrub admired for its non-stop display of fiery red flowers. Developed by Syngenta Flowers, this cultivar quickly gained popularity among gardeners for its brilliant color, resilience, and extended blooming season. Unlike many Lantanas, this variety is sterile, which means it does not set seed. Instead, it focuses its energy on continuous flowering, making it one of the most reliable bloomers for summer gardens and warm climates.
This plant belongs to the Verbenaceae family, which includes other ornamental favorites such as Verbena. Originating from the tropics of the Americas and the West Indies, Lantana camara has been cultivated for centuries for its bright flowers and ability to thrive under harsh growing conditions. ‘Hot Blooded® Red’ takes these qualities a step further, offering gardeners an improved, compact, and floriferous form.
The Story Behind Lantana ‘Hot Blooded® Red’
Syngenta Flowers bred ‘Hot Blooded® Red’, continuing its tradition of creating innovative ornamental plants. The company developed this cultivar from Lantana camara, a species long admired for its vivid, multicolored blooms. In its native range, lantana grows as an evergreen shrub that forms dense thickets, but cultivated selections like ‘Hot Blooded® Red’ stay compact and manageable through careful breeding.
What makes this plant unique is its sterile nature. Because it does not divert energy into seed production, it channels all resources into producing flowers. This characteristic, combined with its tolerance to heat and drought, makes it especially valuable for gardeners in hot climates where many flowering plants stop blooming during peak summer.
Flowers That Glow Like Fire
The most striking feature of Lantana ‘Hot Blooded® Red’ is its flower display. Each cluster, measuring around 5 cm (2 inches) across, contains dozens of small florets. These open first in warm golden or orange tones before maturing into a deep, glowing scarlet red. The color transition gives the plant a dynamic appearance, as multiple shades can appear on the same cluster at once.
From late spring until the first frost, the plant remains covered in these fiery blooms. In frost-free climates, the show continues almost year-round. The flowers are not only beautiful but also highly attractive to pollinators. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees flock to the blossoms, making this plant a vibrant centerpiece in any wildlife-friendly garden.
Foliage and Form
The foliage of ‘Hot Blooded® Red’ adds to its appeal. The leaves are dark green, lance-shaped, and slightly serrated along the edges. They release a faint aroma when brushed, typical of many lantana species. The mounding habit of the shrub makes it ideal for borders, ground cover, or even spilling over the edges of containers.
At maturity, this plant typically reaches 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) in both height and spread. Its dense form and trailing stems allow it to fill space quickly, giving gardens a lush and colorful appearance with minimal effort.
Flowering Season and Growth Habit
Gardeners value this Lantana most for its ability to bloom continuously through the hottest months. While many plants struggle in midsummer, ‘Hot Blooded® Red’ thrives in the heat. In cooler climates, the peak flowering occurs from June through September, ending only when frost arrives. In warmer regions such as USDA Zones 8–11, it can flower in every season, making it evergreen and ever-blooming.
The growth habit is moderately fast, allowing gardeners to enjoy a full, blooming plant in a single season. Whether grown in the ground or in a container, this lantana quickly establishes itself as a reliable source of long-lasting color.
How to Grow Lantana ‘Hot Blooded® Red’
Light
Plant Lantana ‘Hot Blooded® Red’ in full sun for the best flowering performance. It requires at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. In partial shade, it may still grow but the flower display will be reduced.
Soil
Lantana ‘Hot Blooded® Red’ thrives in well-drained soil. It adapts to sandy or loamy soils but can also handle less fertile conditions. For best results, maintain soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH, between 6.0 and 7.0. Heavy clay soils should be amended with organic matter or planted on raised beds to improve drainage.
Watering
During its first growing season, water deeply and regularly to establish a strong root system. Once established, the plant becomes drought-tolerant and requires only occasional watering. In containers, however, it will need more frequent watering since pots dry out faster. Always allow the top layer of soil to dry before watering again.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to support new growth and flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers. A single application in spring is often enough, though container-grown plants may benefit from a second feeding in midsummer.
Pruning
Prune Lantana in early spring to maintain shape and encourage vigorous growth. Cut stems back to about 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) from the ground. This rejuvenates the plant and promotes branching. Light trimming through the season can help maintain a tidy shape, though the sterile flowers do not require deadheading.
Propagation
Because ‘Hot Blooded® Red’ is a patented, sterile cultivar, propagation should only be carried out by licensed growers. However, the parent species, Lantana camara, is easily propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. For gardeners, the easiest method of enjoying this plant is to purchase young plants from a nursery each season.
Pests and Diseases
Lantanas are generally low-maintenance and resistant to pests. However, some issues can occasionally appear. Whiteflies and spider mites may infest plants grown in dry conditions or under glass. Aphids can also appear on tender new growth. Regular inspection and strong blasts of water are often enough to control infestations.
Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew may occur in humid climates with poor air circulation. To prevent this, plant in full sun and avoid overhead watering. Root rot is possible in poorly drained soils, making drainage a key factor for success.
Toxicity and Safety
All parts of Lantana are toxic if ingested, particularly the unripe berries. While ‘Hot Blooded® Red’ is sterile and does not produce berries, the foliage still contains toxic compounds. Keep the plant out of reach of pets and children. Additionally, handling lantana may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, so wearing gloves when pruning is advisable.
Landscaping Uses
Lantana ‘Hot Blooded® Red’ is versatile in the landscape. Its compact, mounding growth makes it perfect for borders, flower beds, and mixed containers. The vibrant red flowers pair beautifully with tropical plants such as hibiscus, cordyline, or heliotrope. It also works well in pollinator gardens, where its nectar-rich flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds throughout the season.
In hot climates, Lantana is often used as erosion control on slopes or as ground cover along sunny banks. Its tolerance of reflected heat makes it suitable for planting near driveways, patios, or poolside areas.
Environmental Tolerances
This Lantana thrives in high heat, poor soils, and urban conditions. It tolerates air pollution, salt spray, and drought, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens or city landscapes. While it withstands light frost, it is not hardy in regions with freezing winters. In colder climates, it is best grown as an annual or overwintered indoors in a bright location.
Why Gardeners Choose Lantana ‘Hot Blooded® Red’
Few plants can match the sheer resilience and color power of Lantana ‘Hot Blooded® Red’. Its sterile flowers guarantee an uninterrupted display of color, while its adaptability allows it to thrive in challenging conditions. With minimal maintenance and maximum flower power, this lantana remains a top choice for gardeners who want reliable, season-long color.
