Lantana camara Bandito™ Group

The Bandito™ Group is a collection cultivars of Lantana camara, a small, annual, woody, broadleaf evergreen shrub in the Verbenaceae (verbena) family. It was developed to withstand hot, humid southern summers while still providing knock-out, long-lasting flowers that are very attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. It has a dense and mounding form approximately 1 foot high by foot wide.

Plant it in full sun in moist, well-drained clay, loam, or sandy soil with a neutral pH. It is tolerant of both poor soil and drought. 

The showy flowers appear from spring until fall and come in a wide range of colors. They provide nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies. Birds enjoy the berries. 

Use this tropical feel plant in containers, hanging baskets, and as a houseplant. Its size makes it ideal for a small space or courtyard. It is a wonderful addition to butterfly, cottage, pollinator, or rock gardens. This plant does grow quickly and aggressively so plan its location accordingly.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Whiteflies and spider mites can affect plants kept over the winter. In areas of the country with more tropical climates Lantana camera is weedy or even invasive. Leaves and unripe, green berries can cause minor skin irritation. It is toxic to livestock such as cattle, sheep, horses, and goats.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. 

More information on Lantana camara.