The Wonder of the Ordinary ~ Lantana

August is a difficult time in my Southern California garden, the constant heat and intense sun of summer not only cuts down on flower production, but also leaches out color from most of those hardy plants that do continue to bloom; sometimes I wonder how anything manages to survive at all.

But there is one wonderful exception and that is lantana, verbenacanase. Many gardeners look down their noses at this very common plant. But if you want something to add color and interest in a variety of ways through the dog days of summer, this is the plant for you.

It comes in several hybrids and forms. Here in a dry, semi-shady spot in a front sitting area is in one of my favorites: each flower sports a combination of light yellow and pink.

 In the gravel garden this bright yellow lantana is growing happily with succulents, I find they have very similar watering needs, always a good thing in a garden.

Out in front curbside this orange lantana scrambles up the rock wall, adding softness and color, even on the hottest days. This plant is very robust and need lots of pruning to be kept in check but I think it is worth the effort as it blooms year around.

Lantana is one of the plants I remember from my childhood, I love it's spicy fragrance and it always seems to have little brown butterflies hoovering around which I have always found fascinating.

There is a place for exotic, new plant introductions in the garden, and trying new plants is one of the fun things about gardening but  there is also a place for the common and ordinary plants that have earned their spot through dependability and performance. One of those in my opinion is lantana!

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