Lantanas are a type of flowering plant that is native to the Americas. They are a popular choice for gardens and landscaping because of their colorful flowers and ability to attract hummingbirds. In this article, we will go over why lantanas are so popular and why they attract hummingbirds.
What Are Lantanas And What Do They Look Like
Lantanas are a group of flowering plants that are native to the Americas. They are part of the verbena family, which includes about 200 other species. The plants are known for their showy, brightly colored flowers, which can be either red, orange, yellow, or pink.
The flowers are borne in clusters, and each individual flower has five petals. The lantana plant is a perennial, meaning it will come back year after year.
It is a woody shrub that can grow to be six feet tall and wide. The leaves are ovate, or egg-shaped, and are dark green in color. They are arranged in opposite pairs on the stem. The plant blooms from late spring through early fall. Lantanas are grown as ornamental plants in gardens and as houseplants.
They are also used in landscaping, as they are drought-tolerant and can withstand heat and humidity. These plants are poisonous to humans and animals if ingested, so care should be taken when handling them.
So, Do Lantanas Attract Hummingbirds?
The answer is yes! Hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar in lantana flowers, and they will often visit lantana plants in search of a sweet treat. In addition to the nectar, hummingbirds also enjoy the small insects that are often found on lantana plants.
If you’re looking to attract hummingbirds to your garden, planting lantanas is a great way to do it. These versatile plants are easy to care for and will provide your garden with color and interest all season long.
What Makes Them A Popular Choice For Attracting Hummingbirds?
Lantanas (Lantana camara) is a popular choice for attracting hummingbirds because of their abundance of nectar and their long blooming season. There are many species of lantanas, all of which are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.
Hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers of all lantana species, but the most popular species for attracting hummingbirds is the common lantana (L. camara). The common lantana is a shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide. It has oblong leaves that are dark green on the top and light green on the bottom.
The flowers of the common lantana are borne in clusters and are typically yellow, orange, or red. The blooming period of the common lantana extends from summer into fall. The nectar of lantanas is very high in sugar content, which makes them a favorite food source for hummingbirds. In addition to the nectar, hummingbirds also eat the insects that are attracted to the flowers.
Lantanas are not only a popular choice for attracting hummingbirds, but they are also a popular choice for attracting butterflies. If you are interested in attracting hummingbirds to your yard, consider planting a few lantanas. In addition to being a food source for hummingbirds, lantanas can also add color and beauty to your landscape.
How To Create a Hummingbird-friendly Lantana Garden
If you love spending time outdoors surrounded by beautiful flowers, then you’ll love learning how to create a hummingbird-friendly lantana garden. Lantana is a beautiful, easy-to-grow plant that attracts hummingbirds like no other. If you’re looking to attract more of these beautiful creatures to your garden, then creating a lantana-friendly garden is a great place to start.
Here are some tips on how to create a hummingbird-friendly lantana garden:
1. Choose the right lantana variety. There are many different varieties of lantana available, so it’s important to choose one that will thrive in your particular climate. Some varieties are more heat-tolerant than others, so if you live in a hot climate, choose a variety that can handle the heat.
2. Plant lantana in full sun. Lantana thrives in full sun, so make sure to plant it in an area of your garden that gets plenty of sunlight.
3. Keep lantana well-watered. Lantana is a drought-tolerant plant, but it still needs regular watering to stay healthy. Water lantana in the morning, so the leaves have time to dry out before nightfall.
4. Fertilize lantana regularly. Lantana is a heavy feeder, so it’s important to fertilize it regularly. Use a high-quality, organic fertilizer and apply it according to the package directions.
5. Deadhead lantana regularly. Deadheading is the process of removing dead or dying flowers from a plant. Lantana produces a lot of flowers, so it’s important to deadhead it regularly to encourage new growth.
6. Attract hummingbirds to your lantana garden. The best way to attract hummingbirds to your lantana garden is to plant a variety that is especially attractive to them. Some of the best varieties for attracting hummingbirds include ‘Orange Crush,’ ‘Lemon Drop,’ and ‘Sangria.’
7. Enjoy your lantana garden! Once you’ve created your lantana garden, sit back and enjoy the show! These beautiful creatures will bring a touch of magic to your garden.
