How to Grow Dallas Red Lantana
Wikimedia Commons
Dallas Red Lantana
Lantana camara 'Dallas Red'
shrubDallas Red Lantana is a compact, heat-loving flowering shrub known for its vibrant red and orange clustered flowers that bloom prolifically throughout the growing season. This cultivar is more cold-hardy than many lantana varieties and produces abundant nectar that attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. The plant has textured green foliage and develops small berries that turn from green to blue-black when ripe.
When should you plant Dallas Red Lantana in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Dallas Red Lantana timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Dallas Red Lantana
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Dallas Red Lantana
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Dallas Red Lantana dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 7b-11, with improved winter hardiness compared to species type
Sign up free to see if Dallas Red Lantana grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Dallas Red Lantana timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-6 weeksYoung plants focus on root development with sparse branching and minimal flowering
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist (not wet). Apply 2-3 inches of mulch. Protect from extreme heat during first 4-6 weeks. Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops dense branching, textured green foliage, and increases in size and width
Continue pinching back stems to promote bushiness. Reduce watering frequency as drought tolerance increases. Begin light fertilizing. Remove any dead or damaged branches.
Flowering
12-14 weeks or until frostPlant produces abundant clustered flower heads in red and orange tones; flowers appear at branch tips
Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage continuous blooming. Water at base, not foliage, to prevent fungal issues. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced or flower-promoting formula. Provide full sun exposure.
Fruiting & Seed Development
8-10 weeksAfter pollination, small green berries develop and mature to blue-black; seeds develop inside berries
Reduce deadheading if seeds desired for wildlife. Allow some berries to remain for bird food. Monitor for pests attracted to ripening fruit.
Winter Dormancy
3-4 monthsIn zones 7b-8b, stems may die back to roots or remain semi-evergreen; foliage reduces significantly
Stop fertilizing in fall. Reduce watering frequency significantly. Do not prune heavily in late fall; wait until spring after last frost. Mulch heavily around base in colder zones.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering.
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap. Remove heavily infested leaves.
-
Spray undersides of leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Prune to improve air circulation.
-
Remove by hand; spray with horticultural oil in dormant season. Insecticidal soap for crawlers.
-
Handpick rolled leaves containing caterpillars. Encourage natural predators. Use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if needed.
Uses
Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeDallas Red Lantana is exceptionally attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators due to its abundant clustered flowers and copious nectar production. The mature berries also provide food for birds and other wildlife. [source]
Herbal Infusions & Traditional Remedies
CulinaryIn traditional medicine, particularly in Central America and India, lantana leaves and flowers have been used to make herbal teas and infusions. The plant is investigated for potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. [source]
Ornamental & Landscape Design
HouseholdDallas Red Lantana serves as a vibrant ornamental shrub for garden beds, borders, containers, and xeriscaping projects. Its compact habit and long blooming season make it ideal for adding color and texture to landscapes with minimal maintenance. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
CraftThe striking red and orange flower clusters are attractive in fresh cut flower arrangements and bring lasting color to indoor displays. The flowers hold their form and color well when properly conditioned. [source]
Skin & Respiratory Applications
MedicinalTraditional practitioners in various regions have used lantana leaf extracts and decoctions for treating skin conditions and respiratory complaints. Modern research continues to explore bioactive compounds present in the plant. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly by pinching off just below the flower head to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Cut flowers last 5-7 days in a vase. For seeds, allow some berries to fully mature to blue-black on the plant, then collect and dry. Prune in spring after last frost to remove winter-damaged wood and shape the plant.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Dallas Red Lantana gets its name from Dallas, Texas, where it was selected and developed as a more cold-hardy cultivar than the species, allowing it to survive winters in zone 7b and return from the roots.
- 🌱 The flower clusters of lantana are actually composed of dozens of tiny individual flowers that open sequentially, creating a continuously changing color pattern and ensuring a steady supply of nectar for pollinators.
- 🌱 Lantana is considered invasive in some tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, but in temperate zones it remains a controlled ornamental that dies back or is killed by frost, making it safe for northern gardeners.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Dallas Red Lantana planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Dallas Red Lantana seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Dallas Red Lantana timeline →