How to Grow Lantana Tiny Red
Lantana Tiny Red
Lantana camara 'Tiny Red'
shrubLantana Tiny Red is a compact dwarf cultivar of lantana, reaching only 12-18 inches tall, making it ideal for containers and small garden spaces. It produces vibrant red clustered flowers throughout the growing season and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. The plant is heat and drought tolerant once established, thriving in warm climates with minimal maintenance.
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Example Lantana Tiny Red timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lantana Tiny Red
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Lantana Tiny Red
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-12; grown as annual in cooler climates
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Establishment
2-4 weeks after plantingYoung plant with developing root system and emerging foliage; minimal flowering
Water regularly to establish roots. Pinch back leader shoots to encourage bushier growth. Provide full sun.
Vegetative Growth
3-6 weeksPlant fills out with dense foliage and strong branching; small flower clusters beginning to form
Continue pinching back until mid-season to promote branching. Begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer. Monitor for spider mites in hot, dry conditions.
Flowering
8-12+ weeks (or until frost in zones 9-10)Abundant clusters of tiny red flowers appear at branch tips; continuous blooming through season
Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage continuous flowering. Feed monthly with low-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus fertilizer to promote blooms. Keep soil moderately moist.
Peak Bloom & Maturity
4-8 weeks through growing seasonPlant reaches full size (12-18 inches) with profuse red flowering; compact, well-branched form
Maintain regular deadheading. Reduce fertilizer frequency. In zones 9-10, this stage continues until frost. In warm zones (11-12), flowering may continue year-round.
Dormancy/End of Season
Variable; frost-triggered in zones 9-10In zones 9-10, foliage begins to fade after frost; plant may die back to roots or semi-dormant state. In zones 11-12, minimal dormancy.
Stop fertilizing. Reduce watering significantly. In zones 9-10, cut back dead stems in early spring before new growth. In zones 11-12, light pruning maintains shape.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Increase humidity if indoors or in containers.
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly until controlled.
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; apply neem oil spray. Isolate affected container plants.
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Scrape off manually or spray with horticultural oil during dormant season or growing season as needed.
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide if severe. Remove affected leaves.
Uses
Container & Patio Gardening
OrnamentalIdeal for pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes due to its dwarf, compact habit. Perfect for patios, balconies, and small spaces where full-size lantanas are too large. [source]
Butterfly & Hummingbird Attractant
WildlifeThe red clustered flowers are highly attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and wildlife habitat. [source]
Herbal & Medicinal Uses
CulinaryIn traditional medicine, lantana has been used in teas and infusions to support respiratory and digestive health, though use should be researched carefully as some parts may be toxic in large quantities. [source]
Heat & Drought Tolerance
HouseholdOnce established, Lantana Tiny Red is remarkably drought tolerant and thrives in hot, sunny conditions, making it excellent for water-wise and xeriscape gardens in warm climates. [source]
Cut Flower & Floral Arrangements
CraftThe unique red flower clusters can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements, adding texture and vibrant color to bouquets and decorative displays. [source]
Harvest Tips
Lantana Tiny Red is ornamental and not harvested for food. Deadhead (remove spent flower clusters) regularly throughout the growing season to encourage continuous blooming and maintain compact shape. Cut back stems in early spring in zones 9-10 to remove winter-killed growth and stimulate vigorous new growth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Lantana is native to tropical Americas and Africa; it has become naturalized and invasive in some regions outside its native range due to its vigorous growing habit and bird-dispersed seeds.
- 🌱 The flowers change color as they age—some lantana varieties open in one color and shift to another, though Tiny Red maintains its red coloring throughout the bloom period.
- 🌱 Lantana leaves are aromatic and slightly unpleasant-smelling when brushed or crushed, which may help deter some herbivores in its native habitat.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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