Do Butterflies like Lantana?

Yes butterflies, bees and hummingbirds all like the sweet nectar of Lantanas. Lantanas are a species of the Verbena family and are native to tropical regions where they thrive in hot, humid and sunny locations.

A delicate butterfly gently perched on vibrant, multi-colored Lantana flowers, showcasing nature's vivid palette.

Interesting Facts:

Black Throated and Streak Weaverbirds use the flowers for decorating their nests.

Butterflies that are drawn to Lantana flowers are particularly noteworthy -

Swallowtail and Bird-wing butterflies.  Skippers and certain Brush-footed butterflies as well as some Pieridae also like to visit the plants' flowers which make Lantana a perfect plant for a Butterfly garden.

Also the nectar, which is a sugary liquid, provides a vital food source for hummingbirds.

Germination:

Lantanas can be germinated by seed.  First you need to soak them in warm water for 24 hours to soften the seed cover.  Then plant a couple of seeds covered with 1/8” moistened soil in a small potting container and cover with a plastic bag to retain the moisture until sprouts appear.

To collect Lantana seeds, wait for the dark berries to fully ripen and turn black, then extract the seeds, dry them for a few days, and store them. Many Lantana varieties are hybrids, so seeds may not produce plants identical to the parent.

Propagation:

Lantana cuttings are generally propagated by vegetative cuttings.  You can propagate Lantana in water or you can root a cutting directly in soil.  Start by clipping a 6-inch stem from the plant, remove the lower leaves, and place the cutting in water.   Roots should start developing in a few weeks.

Care:

Lantana thrives in acidic soil and requires at least 6-8 hours of sunlight to maximize blossom production.

They are considered drought-tolerant once the plant is established.  They need sufficient water, especially during their blooming period and in hot, dry conditions. In general, established lantanas need about 1 inch of water per week, either through rain or hand watering.

Caution:

Such a fun flower but Lantana can cause skin irritation upon contact. While it may not be considered as poisonous as some other plants, the hairs on the leaves and stems can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals, according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The berries are also poisonous and should be kept away from children and pets.

Camara Lantana is a variety that can be highly toxic to dogs, and all parts of the plant are considered poisonous.  It’s best to plant Lantana in an area where it is out of reach for your furry friends.

The Lantana I added to my garden last year is a Bandana Lantana - such a fun name to say!

Bandana Lantana