Lantana camara Gem Diva Pink - West Indian Lantana

Lantana camara Gem ™ 'Diva Pink' is a small, well-branched shrub, wider than it is tall, floriferous and colourful, often grown as an annual in our climates. It is interesting for its early flowering, brightly coloured in shades of pink: its umbel inflorescences that appear from late spring do not fade even in very hot weather. They continue to bloom continuously for several weeks. An ideal variety for ornamenting sunny terraces and balconies.

Lantana camara, also known as Lantana or common camara, is a small bush in the family Verbenaceae. It originates from a wide area including Mexico, Central America, the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, Colombia, and Venezuela. It has naturalized in many subtropical regions where it is considered invasive under certain climates. It is not demanding in terms of soil and is water-efficient. It is extremely floriferous, but lacks hardiness: the plant can withstand up to approximately -6°/-7°C (19.4°F) for short periods. Modern hybrids are mostly sterile.

Lantana Gem 'Diva Pink' is an Israeli horticultural creation by Danziger. With rapid growth, this well-branched shrub reaches a height of 20-25cm (8-10in) and a width of 30-35cm (12-14in) in one season. Its quadrangular section branches bear some hooked thorns and leaves that are 4 to 6cm (2in) long, tough, rough, and aromatic, with finely toothed margins. They are dark green, strongly veined, and theoretically persist in winter if there is no frost. Its flowering extends from June-July to August. In the axils of the leaves, rounded bouquets of flowers, 4 to 5cm (2in) in diameter, emerge. The small tubular-based flowers gradually change from yellow to salmon pink, then to light pink and fuchsia pink, creating a beautiful gradient on the scale of the bouquet.

Lantana camara Gem 'Diva Pink' prefers protected, warm, and very sunny locations, and can overwinter outdoors in mild climates. Elsewhere, it is an excellent terrace plant that should be stored in a cold or temperate greenhouse during winter, protected from heavy frost. While it can put on a show on its own, this Lantana pairs well with the blue or white flowers of 'Blue Note' or 'Gletsjer or Glacier' sage, with lavenders, vervain, and catnip. It is also a very good plant for a low-water garden, especially in mild winters.

Note: Please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them in sheltered areas (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before being installed outdoors once the risk of frost is definitively eliminated.