Lantana ‘Dallas Red’ gets its name from its profusion of bright-colored flower clusters. The blooms are bright orange upon opening, gradually turning a brilliant red. Its abundance of blooms set it apart from this cultivar’s parent plant. It is also what makes lantana ‘Dallas Red’ a popular choice in bee and butterfly gardens.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Lantana Dallas Red is a beautiful and vibrant flowering plant that is native to tropical regions of the Americas. This hardy plant is known for its stunning, bright red and orange flowers that bloom in clusters throughout the summer and fall.
Lantana Dallas Red is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow and care for. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in a range of soil types, including sandy or rocky soils. It prefers full sun exposure, but can also tolerate partial shade.
The leaves of this plant are dark green and have a glossy, textured surface that provides a nice contrast to the bright flowers. The flowers themselves are tubular in shape and attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and hummingbirds.
In addition to its beauty, Lantana Dallas Red is also a valuable plant for its ecological benefits. It is a great source of nectar for pollinators, and its fruit is an important food source for birds.
Overall, Lantana Dallas Red is a versatile and valuable plant that adds color and ecological value to any garden or landscape. Its stunning flowers and low-maintenance nature make it an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Lantana ‘Dallas Red’ requires sufficient, partial exposure to sunlight, and should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate a certain degree of afternoon shade, but, if grown in a shady location, the number of flowers reduces accordingly. If the lantana ‘Dallas Red’ is cultured indoors, it should be placed in a bright and well-lit area.
Temperature
While the lantana ‘Dallas Red’ can survive a light frost, it will die if the temperature falls below -2 ℃, or if it is kept in a cold environment for a long period of time. The plant thrives at around 13 ℃ or higher, blooming throughout the year in frost-free areas. The plant grows well in humid climates too, even surviving in salt-spray, making it a popular addition to coastal gardens.
Watering
Thriving in warm, tropical conditions, lantana ‘Dallas Red’ exhibits a preference for consistent moisture while demonstrating moderate drought tolerance. After establishing its water habits, it’s clear that lantana ‘Dallas Red’ fares well with watering once every 1-2 weeks. Typically grown outdoors due to its vibrant flowering and attraction to pollinators, lantana ‘Dallas Red’ flourishes when the soil is kept slightly moist but well-drained, avoiding waterlogged conditions which can impede its growth cycle.
Soil
Lantana ‘Dallas Red’ does not have too many requirements in terms of soil. A fertile and air-permeable sandy soil is best, but the plant will even tolerate barren soil. Although it can adapt to most soil conditions, a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 is most suitable.
In order to adjust the pH of the soil to increase acidity, a pine needle mulch can be added. Agricultural lime can also be used as needed. Try to avoid wet and muddy soil, as well as water accumulation after rainfall and irrigation.
Fertilizing
The lantana ‘Dallas Red’ does not require much fertilizer – too much can inhibit its blooms. If required, a 20-20-20 fertilizer (a water-soluble fertilizer with 20% total nitrogen, 20% phosphorus pentoxide, and 20% potassium oxide) can be added once a month to balance out soil nutrients.
Planting Instructions
Sowing is usually carried out in early spring. The seeds need to be soaked in warm water 24 hours before planting, as this will help to soften the seed coatings. Mix some peat moss, perlite or another suitable medium into some soil, and use this to fill a pot. Place one or two seeds in the middle of the flowerpot and cover with a thin layer of medium. Keep the soil moist and maintain a stable temperature between 21 to 24 ℃ day and night to ensure rapid germination.
A good way to retain water is to put the flowerpot in a plastic bag, and then seal the bag. The seeds usually take about one month to germinate after sowing, and when the seedlings grow out, the bags can be removed.
The plants can be transplanted outdoors after the risk of frost and cold weather have passed. The planting hole should be deep enough to take the full rootball. Once planted, cover the area around the roots with soil, mounding this up a bit so that the soil directly around the plant is slightly higher than the surrounding soil. Water well. Covering the plant with a 5 to 8 cm mulch is a good way to ensure water retention, while cutting back on weeds.
Pruning
It is always better to prune a lantana ‘Dallas Red’ in the spring. The plant should be pruned to about 15 cm to 30 cm above the ground, while overgrown plants should be pruned to about a third of their height. It can also be pruned periodically throughout the year. Typically, 2.5 to 8 cm of the plant’s tip should be cut in order to stimulate new growth and promote blooming. After pruning, cut back on fertilization but water thoroughly. This not only helps to accelerate the rate of blooming, but also restores plant vitality after its long dormancy in the winter.
Propagation
Lantana ‘Dallas Red’ is best propagated through seed sowing. Prior to sowing, the seed coat should be slightly disturbed to improve germination rates. Use well-draining soil mix to avoid excess moisture, which could lead to fungal issues. Place the seeds just beneath the soil surface, ensuring consistent but moderate watering until germination occurs. Adequate light and warmth are crucial for the successful propagation of lantana ‘Dallas Red’. Transplant seedlings once they’ve developed true leaves and are robust enough to handle the process.
Transplanting
The prime time to transplant lantana ‘Dallas Red’ is during the warmth of late spring to early summer, ensuring robust growth. Locate a sunny spot with good drainage. If the plant is too dense, consider dividing it before transplanting for optimal health.
Repotting
The lantana ‘Dallas Red’, a bushy lantana, thrives when repotted every 2-3 years. Best repotted in spring, promoting lush growth. Opt for slightly larger containers with well-draining soil. Post-repot, ensure ample light and moderate watering to boost recovery. Friendly reminder: Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly for stunning blooms on this sun-loving beauty.
III. Uses and Benefits
The lantana ‘Dallas Red’ are semi-trailing, heat and drought tolerant, low-maintenance plants that are constantly covered in color that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They grow well in flower beds, patio planters, coastal gardens, rock gardens, xeriscapes, and rooftop gardens.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
Very few people use the lantana ‘Dallas Red’ as a cut flower, simply because its leaves are smelly. If seeds are to be harvested, they can be picked after they have ripened, and can be washed with water to remove the pulp.
