The Lantana ‘Radiation’ plant is a stunning, fast-growing flowering shrub prized for its vibrant orange and red blooms that create a striking visual display. This variety of Lantana is widely used in landscapes due to its heat tolerance, low-maintenance nature, and ability to attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Gardeners appreciate their extended blooming season, which lasts from spring through fall, making it a reliable source of color in gardens and containers.
The Lantana radiation plant is named for its ability to absorb and filter harmful radiation from the environment. This unique characteristic makes it a popular choice for landscaping in areas with high levels of radiation.
Lantana ‘Radiation’ plant grows into a compact, spreading shrub that typically reaches 4 feet tall and spreads 5 feet wide.
Its bushy growth habit makes it ideal for ground covers, borders, and container planting, where it quickly fills space with lush foliage and vivid flowers.
The plant's dark green, slightly serrated leaves emit a distinct scent when crushed, a natural deterrent to deer and rabbits.
It has several other common names, such as Lantana camara orange, Lantana radiation orange, and radiation bush lantana.
Lantana Radiation plant flowers bloom from spring to fall in dense clusters. These flowers change colors as they mature, resulting in a multi-tonal effect that begins with deep orange and red hues and fades to softer shades.
Lantana ‘Radiation’ plant attracts a variety of friendly pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds with its vibrant clusters of flowers. Its nectar-rich blooms provide a valuable food source for these pollinators, helping to support local ecosystems and promote biodiversity.
Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs
Multi Pollinators
Other Birds
When it comes to care, this Radiation bush lantana thrives in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day to produce the most abundant blooms. In shadier locations, flowering may be significantly reduced, and the plant may become leggy.
When grown indoors, the Lantana ‘Radiation’ plant prefers warm temperatures ranging between 65°F and 80°F.
The plant should be placed in a bright, sunny location, such as a south-facing window or a greenhouse environment.
For outdoor cultivation, you can grow them in USDA zones 8-11. This Lantana prefers well-draining specialized soil.
It is drought-tolerant once established but performs best with deep, infrequent watering. During the growing season, watering once or twice a week is usually sufficient, ensuring the soil dries out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so well-drained soil is essential.
The Radiation Lantana can be easily propagated through stem cuttings taken in spring or summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long, stripped of lower leaves, and placed in moist soil or water until roots develop. Once established, young plants can be transplanted into larger containers or garden beds.
According to the ASPCA, Lantana plants, including the ‘Radiation’ variety, are mildly toxic to pets, particularly dogs, cats, and livestock. The leaves and unripe berries contain toxic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested in large amounts.
Key Takeaways
- Lantana ‘Radiation’ plant continuously blooms from spring to frost, providing long-lasting color.
- The multi-colored flowers shift in hue as they mature, adding visual interest.
- This plant is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it perfect for xeriscaping.
- The scented foliage naturally repels deer and rabbits, reducing damage from herbivores.
- Lantana ‘Radiation’ is an excellent nectar source for butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, promoting biodiversity in gardens.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Lantana ‘Radiation’ is a vibrant, easy-to-grow plant that provides months of colorful blooms while requiring minimal care. Its drought resistance, heat tolerance, and ability to attract pollinators make it an excellent choice for sunny gardens and containers. While it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, it is also adaptable to various conditions, making it a versatile and resilient landscape plant.
Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features
- Description
- Key Plant Features
The Lantana ‘Radiation’ plant is a stunning, fast-growing flowering shrub prized for its vibrant orange and red blooms that create a striking visual display. This variety of Lantana is widely used in landscapes due to its heat tolerance, low-maintenance nature, and ability to attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Gardeners appreciate their extended blooming season, which lasts from spring through fall, making it a reliable source of color in gardens and containers.
The Lantana radiation plant is named for its ability to absorb and filter harmful radiation from the environment. This unique characteristic makes it a popular choice for landscaping in areas with high levels of radiation.
Lantana ‘Radiation’ plant grows into a compact, spreading shrub that typically reaches 4 feet tall and spreads 5 feet wide.
Its bushy growth habit makes it ideal for ground covers, borders, and container planting, where it quickly fills space with lush foliage and vivid flowers.
The plant's dark green, slightly serrated leaves emit a distinct scent when crushed, a natural deterrent to deer and rabbits.
It has several other common names, such as Lantana camara orange, Lantana radiation orange, and radiation bush lantana.
Lantana Radiation plant flowers bloom from spring to fall in dense clusters. These flowers change colors as they mature, resulting in a multi-tonal effect that begins with deep orange and red hues and fades to softer shades.
Lantana ‘Radiation’ plant attracts a variety of friendly pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds with its vibrant clusters of flowers. Its nectar-rich blooms provide a valuable food source for these pollinators, helping to support local ecosystems and promote biodiversity.
Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs
Multi Pollinators
Other Birds
When it comes to care, this Radiation bush lantana thrives in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day to produce the most abundant blooms. In shadier locations, flowering may be significantly reduced, and the plant may become leggy.
When grown indoors, the Lantana ‘Radiation’ plant prefers warm temperatures ranging between 65°F and 80°F.
The plant should be placed in a bright, sunny location, such as a south-facing window or a greenhouse environment.
For outdoor cultivation, you can grow them in USDA zones 8-11. This Lantana prefers well-draining specialized soil.
It is drought-tolerant once established but performs best with deep, infrequent watering. During the growing season, watering once or twice a week is usually sufficient, ensuring the soil dries out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so well-drained soil is essential.
The Radiation Lantana can be easily propagated through stem cuttings taken in spring or summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long, stripped of lower leaves, and placed in moist soil or water until roots develop. Once established, young plants can be transplanted into larger containers or garden beds.
According to the ASPCA, Lantana plants, including the ‘Radiation’ variety, are mildly toxic to pets, particularly dogs, cats, and livestock. The leaves and unripe berries contain toxic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested in large amounts.
Key Takeaways
- Lantana ‘Radiation’ plant continuously blooms from spring to frost, providing long-lasting color.
- The multi-colored flowers shift in hue as they mature, adding visual interest.
- This plant is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it perfect for xeriscaping.
- The scented foliage naturally repels deer and rabbits, reducing damage from herbivores.
- Lantana ‘Radiation’ is an excellent nectar source for butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, promoting biodiversity in gardens.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Lantana ‘Radiation’ is a vibrant, easy-to-grow plant that provides months of colorful blooms while requiring minimal care. Its drought resistance, heat tolerance, and ability to attract pollinators make it an excellent choice for sunny gardens and containers. While it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, it is also adaptable to various conditions, making it a versatile and resilient landscape plant.
