Lucky™ Red Lantana

Lucky™ Red Lantana adds bright red flowers to sunny containers and landscape plantings. Ball FloraPlant describes it as a medium-spreading selection with strong branching, heat and drought tolerance, and a season-extending bloom. The breeder lists a 12–16-inch height and 12–14-inch spread; give stems room to fill around neighboring plants. ## Flowers and placement The Ball FloraPlant page identifies this selection as ‘Balucred’ (PP28,237) and describes its flowers as a striking hot red. The compact, free-branching habit suits mixed containers, sunny borders, and bed edges. NC State Extension notes that lantana flowers generally appear from midsummer until frost and attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators; local timing varies with weather and growing conditions. ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment, then allow the soil to dry somewhat between waterings. Lantana tolerates poorer soil and drought once established. NC State Extension describes Lantana camara as an annual or perennial depending on climate; its cold tolerance varies considerably among cultivars, so protect it or grow it as an annual where winters are cold. The species may become invasive in some tropical regions. ## Maintenance Pinch or trim stems as needed to maintain the desired shape. Check overwintered plants for whiteflies and spider mites, and watch for leafminers and aphids noted by Ball FloraPlant. Avoid ingestion; lantana is toxic to livestock, and handling leaves or unripe berries may irritate skin.