Plants
Lantana
Lantana camara · Verbenaceae
Lantana earns its German name Wandelröschen, the little changing rose: its flower balls change colour as they open, often from yellow through orange to red — several colour stages at once on a single head. It is also a true butterfly magnet and flowers tirelessly in full sun until frost. Just one thing must not be forgotten: it is poisonous and belongs out of reach of children and pets.
- Light
- Full sun; the more light and warmth, the richer the flowering.
- Watering
- Regular — the root ball should not dry out, nor ever stand in water.
- Care level
- Easy
- Botanical
- Lantana camara
The colour change is a pollination signal: freshly opened, usually yellow florets are rich in nectar; once pollinated they turn orange and red, telling insects where a visit is still worthwhile. To our eyes this creates the typical multicoloured firework in every flower head.
The range of varieties is wide: from compact balcony types in the Bandana or Esperanta series, through single-coloured white and violet breeds, to standards trained as small terrace trees. Older plants become woody and can be grown on as container plants for years.
For the position the rule is: as sunny and warm as possible. Lantana is a heat specialist that keeps going even on a south-facing balcony as long as it is watered. In partial shade it still grows but flowers noticeably less and becomes prone to mildew.
For butterflies, bees and bumblebees lantana is one of the most productive balcony plants of all — on sunny days the plant is positively besieged. If you are planning an insect-friendly balcony, this is a lot of nectar on a small footprint.
The most important safety note: all parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the unripe green berries that follow the flowers. In households with small children or nibbling pets we consistently deadhead — this prevents berry formation and, as a bonus, encourages the next round of bloom.
Overwinter it bright at five to ten degrees and almost dry. Cut back hard in spring, since flowers form on new growth; over the years young plants develop into impressive, richly branched specimens.
Is Lantana toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Toxic
- Cats
- Toxic
- Dogs
- Toxic
All parts of lantana are poisonous (triterpenes such as lantadene), the unripe green berries being the most dangerous. Keep out of reach of cats, dogs and children; deadheading prevents berry formation. Seek veterinary or medical advice if ingested.
Typical symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, weakness and dilated pupils; larger amounts can cause liver damage and photosensitivity of the skin.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Place in full sun and warmth — heat is tolerated without problems.
- 02Water regularly, checking daily in high summer for container plants; avoid waterlogging.
- 03Feed weekly from May to September, lantana is a heavy feeder.
- 04Cut out spent flower heads — this prevents the poisonous berries and encourages new bloom.
- 05Move outside only after the last late frosts in mid-May.
- 06Overwinter bright at 5–10 degrees and cut back hard in spring.
Frequently asked
- Why does lantana change colour?
- The colour change is a signal to pollinating insects: young, nectar-rich florets are usually yellow; after pollination they turn orange to red and are visited less. This creates the typical multicoloured heads showing every stage at once.
- How poisonous is lantana really?
- It deserves respect: leaves and above all unripe berries contain triterpenes that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and, in larger amounts, liver damage in children and pets. Consistent deadheading means no berries form at all — our recommendation for family and pet households.
- Is lantana hardy?
- No, it tolerates no frost. As a woody container plant, however, it overwinters well: bright, cool at five to ten degrees and almost dry. After a spring cutback it shoots willingly and often flowers better than in its first year.
- Is lantana bee-friendly?
- Yes, it ranks among the best nectar plants for the balcony. Butterflies love the tubular florets, and bees and bumblebees visit intensively too. A lantana in a sunny spot is rarely without visitors in high summer.