How to Grow Lantana 'Dallas Red'
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Lantana 'Dallas Red'
Lantana camara 'Dallas Red'
shrubLantana 'Dallas Red' is a vibrant, heat-loving ornamental shrub known for its clustered flowers that transition from orange-yellow to deep red as they mature. This cultivar is highly valued for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds while thriving in hot, dry conditions with minimal maintenance. It's a prolific bloomer from summer through fall, making it an excellent choice for cottage gardens, borders, and containers.
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Example Lantana 'Dallas Red' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lantana 'Dallas 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 'Dallas Red'
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-11; can be grown as an annual or container plant in cooler zones
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Establishment
3-4 weeksYoung transplant with initial leaf growth and minimal branching; plant is establishing root system
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist (not waterlogged). Provide full sun. Mulch around base to retain moisture. Avoid fertilizing until roots are established.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and branches; foliage becomes dense and bushy; growth is rapid
Pinch back growing tips in early summer to encourage branching and fuller form. Water during dry spells. Light fertilizing with balanced fertilizer promotes healthy foliage.
Early Flowering
2-3 weeksFirst flower clusters (called umbelliferous heads) appear; flowers show characteristic color transition from orange-yellow centers to red edges
Begin regular deadheading to encourage continuous blooming. Water when soil surface is dry. Fertilize monthly with flower-promoting fertilizer (higher phosphorus).
Peak Bloom
8-12 weeks (summer through early fall)Abundant clustered flowers cover the plant; intense color display with red dominant; attracts pollinators
Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly to extend blooming season. Water only when needed (soil surface dry). Can reduce fertilizing frequency. Watch for pests.
Dormancy/Decline
October-March (varies by zone)Blooming slows as temperatures cool; foliage may thin in colder climates; plant enters semi-dormant state
Reduce watering significantly. Do not fertilize. In zones 8-9, cut back 12-18 inches before winter. In zones 10-11, minimal pruning needed. Protect from frost.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; strong water spray to dislodge; reflective mulch as deterrent
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticide if severe; remove heavily infested leaves
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation; remove infested leaves
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Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
Uses
Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeDallas Red lantana is exceptionally attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. The clustered flowers provide abundant nectar and serve as an important food source throughout the growing season. [source]
Traditional Beverage
CulinaryIn some cultures, lantana flowers are used to make herbal teas. The flowers have a pleasant, slightly tart flavor and are sometimes used in cocktails or as edible garnishes. [source]
Traditional Remedies
MedicinalLantana has been used in traditional medicine in various cultures for respiratory support and immune function. However, use should be cautious as some parts of the plant may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. [source]
Ornamental Landscaping
HouseholdDallas Red lantana is widely used in xeriscaping, cottage gardens, container displays, and tropical-style gardens. Its heat and drought tolerance make it ideal for difficult-to-plant areas with intense sun exposure. [source]
Dried Flower Arrangements
CraftThe flower clusters can be dried and used in dried arrangements and wreaths. The flowers retain their distinctive clustered form and coloring reasonably well when properly dried. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Lantana is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Deadhead spent flower clusters by pinching just below the spent bloom to encourage continuous flowering. Remove entire stems if pruning back the plant. Cut flowers can be harvested for arrangements but are relatively short-lived (2-3 days in water).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Lantana 'Dallas Red' is native to tropical regions of the Americas and has naturalized in warm climates worldwide, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to diverse growing conditions.
- 🌱 The flower clusters exhibit an extraordinary color-changing phenomenon: individual flowers shift from yellow or orange to red or pink as they age, creating a multicolored effect on the same flower head.
- 🌱 Lantana was so beloved by Victorian gardeners that it became one of the most cultivated ornamentals in 19th-century Europe, despite being virtually unknown there a century earlier.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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