The Colourful Fragrant Lantana Flower Plants

Lantana plants are not a native of India and have migrated here. The lantana plants have survived less water and direct sunlight and we can see many places like Bangalore, Ooty and many other hill stations where these fragrant lantana plants are growing like crazy. The survival of these plants have made them a good choice by many gardeners and also their beautiful fragrant blooms are another attraction.
Lantana plants have colourful flowers and the colours range from clear yellow, white to reds and oranges. We also see many shaded variety growing where the plant flowers into two colours. The centre of the bunch is different colour and the outer layer of flowers are different.

Pink Lantana Flowers on Plant

 The flowers though look very attractive on closer inspection we can see that the whole flower is made up of tiny small flowers. When we touch them the tiny flowers fall and can be closely observed . The blooms are very delicate though they remain on the plant for long. The small flowers are very fragrant and the fragrance is woody and strong. When planted in groups the lantana fragarnce can be felt from far away. Fragrance also feels like the Eucalyptus trees, and often the fragrance is confused with eucalyptus or nilgiri plants. The leaves are sharp and have a rough surface. Maybe there are tiny spikes on the surface of the leaves. So sharp are the leaves edges that we can accidently cut our skin by rubbing with them to feel them.

Close up of lantana flowers

Yellow and Orange shading Lantana flowers

 Care of Lantana Plants- Care of lantana plants is very easy and the plants grow very fast. They need to be trimmed regularly to maintain their shape and also to encourage more flowering. Watering care is requried as the lantana plants do not require much water and with over watering may die.

Close up of Beautiful Yellow Lantana flowers

 Another most important care is that the lantana plants are prone to white aphids and fungus attacks. I have lost many plants due to this pest. As the plants can grow in full sunlight the best place would be to grow it under direct sunlight, this will some what also help to control the plant disease. Giving the plant a  thorough wash and shower also helps temporarliy to treat the plant disease.

Colourful Red and Yellow Shaded Lantana flowers

Close up of red lantana flowers

The fragrance of lantana flowers is great and will enliven the whole atmosphere. The lantana plants are mostly selected because of the great colourful show they give when laden with blooms. The lantana flowers are a unique pattern of small flowers growing in a bunch together. They look almost like a big shaded flower but only on closer look we can see the tiny bunch of small flowers. The flowers are available in many colours and shades. White with cream, pink with yellow, red with orange or yellow, and sometimes even three colours together.
Lantana plants grown as central point in any landscape are great colourful displayers. And these plants are also  selected for borders and dividers in any garden.