Lantana camara 'Ham and Eggs'

‘Ham and Eggs’ lantana is a half-hardy perennial cultivar in the Verbenaceae (verbena) family that can be either annual or perennial, depending on winter severity. The parent plant is native to the West Indies, Mexico, and tropical America.

Plant it in full sun or partial shade and in moist, well-drained soil. It is resistant to drought, poor soil, and salt. The showy flowers appear from spring until fall and are attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. It will die back to the ground when the temperature dips to about 28 degrees F (-2.2 degrees C) but will grow back from the roots in zones 7b or warmer in spring. It may be slow to break dormancy but will grow quickly once the soil temperature warms. It is 2 to 3 feet in height and 3 to 4 feet in width, and can be pruned to within 6 inches after the last frost. This plant does grow quickly and aggressively so plan its location accordingly.

The ‘Ham and Eggs’ inflorescence contains many deep pink flowers (ham) surrounding a center of bright yellow flowers (eggs). The new florets may start almost entirely yellow or cream, but the color deepens as the flower matures. The color changes to pink in the outside ring, which becomes darker with age and spreads toward the center. The ‘Ham and Eggs’ cultivar does not develop as many berries as other lantana cultivars. This is an advantage as the berries are toxic to many animals but also makes this plant relatively sterile. 

Use this sprawling groundcover mass planted along a slope, along a walkway or in the front of a border.  The long-lasting flowers attract a variety of pollinators making it an excellent choice for a butterfly or cottage garden.  In colder climates, it can be planted in a large container and used on a patio.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect or disease problems. In certain areas of the country with more tropical climates, Lantana camera is weedy or even invasive. Leaves can cause minor skin irritation to some people and are poisonous if eaten. 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. 

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