Hairy Lantana

lantana canescens

Also known as: ["Hairy Lantana","Gray Lantana"]

Family: Verbenaceae Genus: Lantana Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial shrub native to the Americas, known for its hairy stems and leaves and clusters of small, colorful flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Verbenaceae
Genus: Lantana
Botanical Name: Lantana canescens

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: border plantings, rock gardens, or containers in warm climates
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Light pruning every 4–6 weeks during growing season; heavy pruning in late winter or early spring
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but blooms best in direct light.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate light indoors with supplemental grow lights if needed.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering); wilting despite moist soil (root rot); stunted growth (poor soil quality).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light exposure; prune to maintain light penetration; adjust for seasonal light changes.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Thrives in warm conditions (65–85°F/18–29°C); prefers stable temperatures; sensitive to frost.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation in heat.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer

Fertilize lightly to avoid excessive foliage growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing in fall.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing

Environment

Warm (70–75°F/21–24°C), high humidity, indirect light

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss

Hormone

Rooting hormone recommended for faster rooting

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 8–12 weeks

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic bag; keep out of direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips; cut back leggy stems; remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming

Pruning Plan

Promote bushier growth and more blooms; remove dead or leggy stems; shape plant as desired.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune dead or diseased wood; shape plant; remove spent flowers.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and blooming.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without disturbing the foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or leaf drop in cold; wilting or stunted growth in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn yellow or drop; risk of frost damage or death in freezing temperatures.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection; reduce watering in cool conditions.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; may drop leaves to conserve water.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity; water deeply and mulch to retain moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Lantana canescens may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as spider mites or aphids. It can also be a sign of viral infections or root rot.

Wilting in Lantana canescens is often caused by water stress, either due to under or overwatering. It can also result from root damage, pest infestations, or fungal infections affecting the plant's vascular system.

Leaf spots on Lantana canescens are commonly caused by fungal or bacterial infections, such as Cercospora leaf spot or bacterial leaf spot. These spots can lead to defoliation and reduced photosynthesis.

Rotting in Lantana canescens is typically associated with root or stem rot caused by overwatering or fungal pathogens like Fusarium or Phytophthora. This can lead to plant death if not addressed promptly.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are susceptible to hepatotoxicity from Lantana canescens ingestion, which can cause severe liver damage. The toxic compounds disrupt normal liver function, leading to organ failure.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting lethargy jaundice loss of appetite liver failure
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure cats cannot access the plant. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Toxic

Ingestion of Lantana canescens by dogs can lead to hepatotoxicity, resulting in liver damage and potential failure. The toxic compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream and affect liver cells.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting lethargy loss of appetite jaundice liver failure
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep the plant away from dogs. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Lantana canescens contains hepatotoxic pentacyclic triterpenoids that can cause severe liver damage upon ingestion. The toxic compounds interfere with liver function, leading to potential organ failure.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain jaundice liver failure
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of any part of the plant. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Lantana canescens toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: Does Lantana canescens attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.

Q: How often should Lantana canescens be watered?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings; it is drought-tolerant once established.

Quick Reference
Family: Verbenaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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