How to Grow and Care for Bandana Cherry Sunrise Lantana

The Bandana Cherry Sunrise Lantana is a plant known for its unique, multi-tonal flowers. Each flower cluster displays a vibrant mix of yellow, pink, fuchsia, and orange, creating an appearance reminiscent of a sunrise. This display of color makes it an attractant for pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. As part of the “Bandana” series, this lantana is known for its compact, mounded growth habit, typically reaching about 24 inches in height and width. Its low-maintenance nature combined with its heat and drought tolerance makes it a popular choice for a variety of garden settings.

Ideal Growing Conditions

This plant requires a location that receives full, direct sunlight for a minimum of six to eight hours daily for vigorous growth and optimal blooming. Without sufficient light, the plant may produce fewer flowers and exhibit a less compact form. This lantana is highly adaptable to different environments, flourishing in flower beds, patio planters, and even in challenging coastal or rock gardens.

The plant necessitates well-draining soil to prevent the onset of root rot, a common issue in overly moist conditions. It is adaptable to various soil compositions, including sandy or rocky types, provided that water can move freely through it. When planting in containers, using a high-quality potting mix is recommended to ensure adequate drainage.

During its first growing season, it requires consistent and deep watering to help establish a strong root system. Once established, it becomes notably drought-tolerant, preferring deep but infrequent watering. It is best to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to avoid over-saturating the roots.

The Bandana Cherry Sunrise is a tender perennial, meaning it will grow year-round in warmer climates, specifically USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. In cooler zones, it is typically treated as an annual, providing vibrant color for a single season before being removed. Some gardeners in zones as cool as USDA 6 have had success overwintering the plant by applying a thick layer of mulch around its base to protect it from the cold.

Care and Maintenance

Over-fertilizing, particularly with formulas high in nitrogen, can stimulate excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in the early spring is generally sufficient for the entire growing season.

Lightly trimming the plant throughout the growing season encourages bushier growth and the development of more branches, which leads to a greater number of blooms. Removing spent flowers, a practice known as deadheading, prevents the plant from forming seed-bearing berries. Halting berry production redirects the plant’s energy back into creating more flowers.

Important Considerations

All parts of the lantana, including the foliage and especially the unripe green berries, are toxic if ingested by pets, such as cats and dogs, as well as humans. Gardeners should exercise caution and be mindful of this, particularly if children or animals have access to the garden area.

It is highly resistant to deer, which is a significant advantage for gardeners in areas where deer are prevalent. While generally robust, it can occasionally be susceptible to pests like lace bugs, but its overall resilience is a key feature.