Species

19 other cultivars

perennialN. America Native

Hot Blooded Lantana

Lantana camara 'Hot Blooded'

Same species

Species

19 other cultivars

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

28 inches

Width

28 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to high

Lifespan

Tender perennial/annual

Native To

Central and South America

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested (leaves and unripe berries)

The Story

Plant Bio

Lantana camara is a tropical, woody shrub known for its clusters of small, multi-colored flowers that bloom profusely from summer to frost. It is exceptionally heat and drought tolerant. 'Hot Blooded' is a sterile variety, meaning it doesn't produce the toxic berries and puts all its energy into continuous, vibrant red, orange, and yellow blooms. It has a controlled, mounding habit.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a continuous explosion of fiery red, orange, and yellow color all summer long, even in intense heat. Its mounding habit is perfect for containers, borders, and mass plantings.

'Hot Blooded' is exceptionally drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and low-maintenance, making it a problem-solver for hot, dry, difficult areas. Its sterility prevents it from becoming invasive.

Lantana is a powerhouse nectar source for pollinators, attracting a constant stream of butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to the garden.

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with at least 6-8 hours of direct sun.
Ensure the soil is very well-drained; amend with sand if needed.
Plant after the last frost, spacing about 2 feet apart.
Water well at planting, then only when the soil is dry.
Fertilize lightly once or twice during the growing season.
Trim back mid-season if it becomes leggy to promote bushiness.

Pro Tip

Avoid overwatering and over-fertilizing, as this can lead to fewer flowers and more foliage growth. Lantana thrives on neglect.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide maximum sun for maximum blooms.
Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Plant in well-draining soil; it hates 'wet feet'.
Trim lightly mid-season to encourage fresh growth and flowers.

Don't

Do not overwater, as this is the most common cause of failure.
Do not over-fertilize, which promotes leaves over flowers.
Do not plant before the weather is consistently warm.
Avoid planting seed-bearing varieties in areas where it is invasive.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant container thrillerHeat-loving border fillerButterfly garden magnet

Companion Plants

Salvia greggii Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' Gaura lindheimeri Angelonia Verbena bonariensis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hot Blooded Lantana questions

What zones can Hot Blooded Lantana grow in?

Hot Blooded Lantana is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Hot Blooded Lantana deer resistant?

Yes — Hot Blooded Lantana is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Hot Blooded Lantana bloom?

Hot Blooded Lantana typically blooms in early summer through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Hot Blooded Lantana need full sun?

Hot Blooded Lantana does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Hot Blooded Lantana drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Hot Blooded Lantana handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.