Gem™ Ruby Lantana camara

Gem™ Ruby is a well-branched lantana with a mounded habit and medium-sized flowers. The [Danziger cultivar page](https://www.danzigeronline.com/catalog/annuals/gem-ruby/) lists a height of 10–12 inches and a width of 12–14 inches, with early flowering and late-spring-to-summer timing. This compact form suits patio pots, hanging baskets, groundcover plantings and sunny landscape areas. ## Landscape Use Use Gem Ruby as a low, rounded accent in a container or along a sunny bed edge. Danziger lists it for pot, hanging-basket, groundcover and landscape uses, and notes that it maintains bright color in hot weather. Its well-branched habit can fill a small planting area while keeping the overall profile low. ## Growing Conditions Grow lantana in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment, then water deeply when the soil begins to dry. The [North Carolina Extension lantana profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lantana-camara/) notes lantana’s pollinator value and cautions that some forms can become invasive in tropical regions. Foliage and unripe berries can harm livestock if eaten, and leaf contact may irritate sensitive skin. ## Maintenance Trim lightly to keep stems within their allotted space and remove damaged growth. Containers and hanging baskets may need more frequent watering during hot, dry weather. In frost-free climates lantana may persist as a shrub; in colder areas it is commonly grown as a warm-season annual.