lantana bud to berry

In a previous post, I mentioned how I like to switch up my container plantings every year except for a few favorite "stand-by's."  Lantana is one of those favorites, I just can't imagine not having it somewhere in my yard.

 

I've also been on a kick lately of photographing my flowers in all stages of development ~ from buds to seeds/berries.  I don't know what spurred this?  But Lantana has been included in that project too.  Above is a slightly out-of-focus photo of a new bud.  Below, two buds, further along:

 

Lantana flowers open from the outside in, a phenomenon easily seen in the above photo.  Notice the more fully developed outer buds, ready to open, while the inner buds are still tight.  Even when lantana is in bloom you still see buds at the center:

 

Lastly, the attraction isn't over when the blooms are spent.  It leaves behind delightful clumps of berries, this clump slightly past their peak:

 

I prefer planting annuals and perennials that attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.  Lantana falls in that category too with the exception being bees??  I have never noticed bees on my lantana blooms?  This year I had lantana draping over the edges of my "Tropicanna" container.  Click here if you'd like to see that again.  You've gotta love digital photography for making indulgences like these so much easier!

Comments

[Robin]

I love lantana! I was just doing a search yesterday on propagating it. I'd love to take a few cuttings and root some for next year. I tried growing it from seed, but that flopped.

Your pictures are lovely!

[Racquel]

Lantana is a great perennial for the garden. I've never seen bees on it either, but the butterflies adore it!

[gail]

I celebrate those little indulgences! You have shown us a fab photo of Lantana blooms! Thanks bunches;)

[Marnie]

I think lantana is beautiful in all it's stages. For some reason, I have never had success growing it in containers. Your photos are just lovely.
Marnie

[Layanee]

That is some container! Are you overwintering the Tropicana? It looks huge! I don't always use lantana as it takes a while to get going up here. I will have to revisit it.

[gail]

Hi, I posted the Bur Oak acorn photo...it's at the end of today's post...What did your tree guy tell you?

Gail

[Jen]

Ok, you've sold me. I'm definitely gettting some lantana next year. Promise me it will look like yours?

Love that middle photo of the praying mantis. He looks...friendly!

[Kathleen]

Thank you Robin. That compliment means so much coming from you. Your photos are always exceptional. I should take some cuttings of Lantana too instead of buying it every year. What do you do with all your cuttings?? Whenever I try that, I end up with little pots all over my windows and after a while it gets really messy looking??

[Kathleen]

I whole heartedly agree with you Racquel!! Love it!

[Kathleen]

My pleasure Gail!! :-)

[Kathleen]

Thank you Marnie. I wonder why the trouble with Lantana?? I have always had great luck with it in containers and thought it to be pretty happy-go-lucky. Do you plant it in the ground then? or have you given up on it?

[Kathleen]

Thanks Layanee!!! The Tropicanna is huge. As you can tell, it is dominating that pot (and it started off being a very small tuber with just two eyes). I will be dividing it come spring! We had a really hot summer which I think both the canna & the lantana liked. I hope Lantana does better for you if you try it again next year.

[Kathleen]

Hi again Gail! Thanks for letting me know about the bur oak acorn photo. I am headed over there now to check it out! My tree guy is now coming next week. I'll keep you posted.

[Kathleen]

I hope you have great success with the lantana next year Jen! It's a wonderful plant and I love that besides being beautiful it attracts wildlife.