With its bright colors, it’s a wildlife magnet—bees, butterflies and birds seem to enjoy this Mexico original as much as we do. One gardener friend had some volunteers pop up between her cement drive and cyclone fence until a lawnmower malfunction eliminated it—only to return the following year, more beautiful than ever. We can now put the “tough” in front of Lantana. It doesn’t seem to spread on its own, so if you want a bed full, you’ll have to fill it, plant by plant. Always a good thing unless you’re looking for “intrusive” growth.
As you might imagine, they’re easy to care for, and don’t require a lot of watering, but do keep them in a routine—just don’t overwater. If you have a veranda, perfect in pots by the score and a hanging basket by the kitchen window might start your day with a humming bird thrill.
