Lantana ‘Miss Huff’ is cultivated from the Lantanas genus and is easily distinguishable by its uniquely colored clusters of orange flowers. Its resistance to cold weather make it a popular choice for gardens and containers. The leaves can irritate the skin upon contact.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
‘Miss Huff ‘ lantana is a woody perennial in the Verbenaceae (verbena) family. It is the most cold-hardy lantana and is often evergreen, blooming on and off in the mild winters of the South. The parent plant is native to the West Indies, Mexico, and tropical America. ‘Miss Huff’ originated from cuttings of a plant in Athens, Georgia. Its showy orange blooms give the plant an almost tropical feel.
It is a low-maintenance plant that tolerates heat and drought once established, is resistant to salt and deer, and grows quickly to fill a space. At maturity, it is 4 to 6 feet in height and 4 to 6 feet in width. The showy flowers appear from spring until fall and are attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Lantana ‘Miss Huff’ 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 ‘Miss Huff’ is cultured indoors, it should be placed in a bright and well-lit area.
Temperature
While the lantana ‘Miss Huff’ 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 its native tropical environments, lantana ‘Miss Huff’ has adapted to a regime of consistent moisture and high humidity. This species exhibits a preference for regular hydration but is forgiving of brief dry spells, maintaining a balance between resilience and the need for water. Care should include watering every week to mimic its natural conditions. As an outdoor plant often favored for its vibrant flowers, lantana ‘Miss Huff’ flourishes when the growing season is complemented by adequate rainfall or supplemental irrigation that ensures moist soil without waterlogging.
Soil
Lantana ‘Miss Huff’ 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 ‘Miss Huff’ 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 ‘Miss Huff’ 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 ‘Miss Huff’ is a vigorous perennial shrub known for its profusion of vibrant flowers and hardy growth. When propagating lantana ‘Miss Huff’, sowing is a common method. Cuttings are often preferred as they maintain the parent plant’s characteristics. To ensure success, use well-draining soil and keep the cuttings moist until they root. Regular pruning not only helps in maintaining shape but also encourages bushier growth, which can provide additional material for propagation.
Transplanting
Lantana ‘Miss Huff’ thrives when transplanted in the mid to late spring, thanks to the warming soil and consistent rainfall. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot for relocation. If roots are disturbed, handle gently to avoid transplant shock.
III. Uses and Benefits
Lantana ‘Miss Huff’ makes an excellent addition to a cottage or pollinator garden, foundation planting, or shrub border. It may also be used for mass planting along rock walls or hillsides, and it even does well in containers on the patio.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
Very few people use the lantana ‘Miss Huff’ 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.
