Look for Bandito lantanas to come blazing to the front of the flower border in landscapes all across the country this spring and summer thanks to their rich colors, compact habit and rugged performance.
Lantanas have become favorites with gardeners everywhere over the last decade not only because of their colors but also their ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Lantanas range in size from the huge almost shrub-like to the shorter and spreading. It's the new Bandito lantanas that will offer the opportunity at the front of a border and superbly as filler plants in mixed containers.
The taller version quickly climbed the charts in popularity with some of the richest colors seen anywhere coupled with vigor that everyone deemed just about perfect. They are ideal for the middle of the border and don't require constant pruning to keep confined.
Now the same plant breeders are introducing the Bandito Orange Sunrise and Bandito Rose and Bandito Red. These are heat and drought tolerant, persevering plants, with larger flowers than you might expect on lantanas.
All of these lantanas are a kaleidoscope of ever changing colors. The lantana bloom is actually a cluster of smaller flowers that start off one color aging as the day goes by with the eventually reaching the mature color. You don't normally think about foliage as being an asset with lantanas, it is with the Bandito series. The leaves are deep dark green and semi-glossy. Simply put these are striking plants.
Lantanas are grown by most of the country as annuals, tender perennials in zone 8 and perennials in warmer regions. In zones 7 and 8 the key to a spring return is excellent winter drainage. Soggy wet winter soil is just not tolerated.
To grow yours select a site in full sun with fertile well drained soil. If you are plagued with tight heavy clay loosen with three to four inches of organic matter like peat, compost or humus. While you are preparing the soil add a little slow release fertilizer like a 12-6-6 at a rate of 2 lbs per 100 square feet.
You'll probably be buying six-inch sized containers so dig your holes two to three times as large as the rootball, planting at the same depth they are growing in the container. Finish the job by adding a good layer of mulch to conserve moisture, deter weeds, and moderate soil temperatures.
The Bandito lantanas reach about 14 inches tall with a similar width. In the landscape you'll have quite a choice for companion plants. Blue salvias will work will all three colors. This color will prove to be a striking complement to the Orange Sunrise. Depending on the size of your border you might consider the Mystic Spires salvia that will reach around 3 feet tall. The spiky flowers of the salvia will prove to be a good contrast with the round flowers of the lantana. A choice partner for the Bandito Red and Bandito Rose lantana is Goldsturm rudbeckia or black-eyed Susan.
If you have a deep border really want to attract butterflies then also consider some of the new compact buddleia or butterfly bushes. Try Adonis Blue or Purple Emperor with the Bandito Orange Sunrise or Bandito Red and Miss Ruby buddleia with the Bandito Rose.
Planting for butterflies and hummingbirds is a great way to get your children or grandchildren interested in gardening you'll find the Bandito lantanas a great place to start when spring arrives.
(Winter is vice president for college advancement, Brewton Parker College, Mount Vernon, Ga., and author of "Captivating Combinations Color and Style in the Garden.")
(c) 2010, McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.