Mortellaro's Nursery
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Lantana sp. Passion Fruit 'Passion Fruit' - Lantana, Passion Fruit from Mortellaros
Lantana, Passion Fruit
Lantana sp. 'Passion Fruit'
Lantana (Lantana camara) is a vigorous, bushy perennial that adds vibrant color to Texas landscapes with its clusters of bright flowers. This heat-loving plant thrives in USDA Zones 8 through 11 and performs best in full sun. Lantana tolerates a wide range of soil types (alkaline or acidic), preferring well-drained soils, and is highly drought-tolerant once established. While not a Texas native (That one is Lantana aurticoides), its resilience and adaptability make it an excellent choice for gardens across the state.
The eye-catching flowers bloom from spring until the first frost, attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Lantana is also deer-resistant, as its aromatic foliage deters browsing. However, it’s important to note that all parts of the plant, especially the berries, are toxic if ingested, making it unsuitable for areas frequented by pets or young children. Space plants 3 to 5 feet apart to allow for their mature size and encourage proper airflow.
Passion Fruit offers vibrant purple and magenta flowers, and only grows 3 to 4 feet in height and 4 to 5 feet wide. Unlike Confetti or Irene Lantana, it seems to keep a tighter growth habit.
Lantana is versatile in the landscape, serving as a colorful focal point, a low-maintenance barrier hedge, or a bold addition to mixed perennial beds. This cultivar is well-suited to the intense afternoon heat of Texas and is an excellent choice for xeriscaping or other water-wise gardening practices.
During winter, Lantana may die back to the ground in areas with hard freezes but typically regrows in spring. To maintain its shape and encourage new growth, prune back any dead wood in late winter or early spring. Applying a light layer of mulch around the base can help protect the roots in colder regions.
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Multicolor Bloomer |
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Drought Resistant |
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Deer Resistant |
Flower Color:Yellow, Orange Fuschia |
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Height:12-16 in |
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Spread:12-14 in |
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Spacing:10-12 in |
USDA Hardiness Zone 8a
Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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Toxic to Pets
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