How to Grow Lantana 'Radiation'

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Lantana 'Radiation'

Lantana camara 'Radiation'

shrub

Lantana 'Radiation' is a vibrant flowering shrub cultivar known for its striking orange and red clustered flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. This heat and drought-tolerant perennial produces small, berry-like fruits and aromatic foliage, making it an excellent choice for xeriscape gardens and containers. The plant blooms profusely from summer through fall with minimal maintenance requirements.

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Example Lantana 'Radiation' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Lantana 'Radiation'
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Lantana 'Radiation'
Around Jun 16

≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lantana 'Radiation' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum (more sun intensifies flower color)

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Water: Drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply but infrequently during establishment (first 2-3 months). Reduce watering significantly in mature plants; water only during extended dry periods. Overwatering can reduce flowering and encourage fungal issues.

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Spacing: 36 inches

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Days to maturity: 60-90 days to first significant blooms; peak flowering by 120+ days

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Planting depth: 1 inch for seeds; transplants at same depth as container

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy loam or loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure for initial planting Perlite or sand if soil tends to retain moisture No fertilizer needed for established plants

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in USDA zones 9-11; can be grown as an annual or container plant in zones 8 and cooler

8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons, developing first true leaves within 1-2 weeks.

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light or grow under lights. Maintain 70-75°F for optimal germination.

Vegetative Growth

3-6 weeks

Plant develops multiple stems and increasingly complex foliage with the characteristic slightly rough, aromatic leaves. Bushy growth without flowers.

Begin hardening off transplants 1-2 weeks before planting outdoors. Pinch stem tips when 6-8 inches tall to encourage branching. Water moderately during establishment.

Flowering

2-3 months (June-October depending on location)

Dense, rounded clusters (capitulae) of small tubular flowers appear in vibrant orange-red shades with yellow centers, arranged in characteristic lantana clusters.

Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage continuous blooming. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; use bloom-boosting fertilizer if needed. Maintain full sun exposure.

Fruiting

6-8 weeks

Small berry-like fruits (drupes) develop where flowers were, transitioning from green to black when fully ripe.

Allow some flowers to develop fruits for bird food and self-seeding (if desired). Remove fruits if volunteer seedlings become problematic in your area.

Dormancy/Pruning

October-March (varies by zone)

In zones 8-9, plant may experience dieback or go dormant in winter. Evergreen in warmer zones.

In cool zones, cut back by 50% in fall or early spring. Remove any dead wood in spring. Mulch in zone 8 for winter protection (3-4 inches).

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Salvia Coreopsis Echinacea (Coneflower) Rosemary Lavender Gaura Mexican Bush Sage Sedum

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring consistent moisture (e.g., hostas, ferns) Shallow-rooted plants competing for resources Shade-loving plants that dislike heat reflection

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Increase humidity; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or neem oil at first sign. Remove heavily affected foliage.
Spray undersides of leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Remove heavily infested leaves. Use horticultural oil in dormant season.
and
Hand-pick in early morning; use copper tape barriers. Beer traps or diatomaceous earth around plant base. Remove leaf litter.

Uses

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Butterfly and Hummingbird Magnet

Wildlife

Lantana 'Radiation' is one of the most attractive plants for butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Its abundant clustered flowers provide nectar throughout the growing season, making it invaluable for pollinator gardens. [source]

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Ornamental Landscaping and Xeriscaping

Household

The vibrant orange-red flowers make Lantana 'Radiation' a striking focal point in borders, cottage gardens, and container displays. Its drought tolerance makes it ideal for water-wise landscapes and regions with limited rainfall. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Remedy

Medicinal

In traditional medicine systems, particularly in Central and South America and parts of Africa, Lantana camara has been used to treat fever, inflammation, and respiratory issues. The leaves contain various bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic properties. [source]

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Berries for Birds and Wildlife

Culinary

The ripe black berries produced after flowering provide natural food for birds and other wildlife, supporting local ecosystems and creating a dynamic garden environment throughout fall and winter. [source]

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Cut Flowers and Arrangements

Craft

The long-lasting flower clusters can be harvested for fresh or dried floral arrangements, adding bold color to bouquets and crafts. Flowers dry well and maintain their vibrant hues for decorative purposes. [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 primarily for ornamental flowers and wildlife attraction rather than harvesting. Deadhead spent flower clusters every 1-2 weeks to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Cut back branches in early spring (before new growth) to maintain shape and encourage dense flowering. Collect seeds from ripe black berries in fall if you wish to propagate, though self-seeding often occurs naturally.

Fun Facts

🌱 Lantana 'Radiation' produces flowers that change color as they age—individual florets within the cluster shift from orange to red to deeper tones, creating a multi-colored effect that makes the blooms even more visually striking.
🌱 In its native range (Central and South America), Lantana camara is considered a major invasive species in some regions, particularly Australia, where it spreads aggressively and forms dense, impenetrable thickets despite efforts to control it.
🌱 The name 'Radiation' refers to the way the flower clusters seem to radiate outward, and the plant's ability to 'radiate' heat and attract vibrant energy to the garden; it was a deliberate naming choice to highlight the cultivar's bold, commanding presence.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Germination Hardening Off Mulch Perennial Transplant True Leaves

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