Hairy Lantana (Lantana hirta)

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Sunlight Thrives in full sun for prolific blooming; tolerates partial shade in extremely hot climates

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Watering Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot

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Temperature Prefers warm temperatures; protect from frost below 10°C to prevent foliage damage

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Leaf: Opposite ovate leaves with serrated margins and dense hairy undersides
Flower: Clustered umbels of tiny tubular blooms, shifting from yellow to orange/red as they mature
Stem: Woody, branching stems covered in fine, stiff hairs

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Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; increase frequency during extreme heatwaves

Fertilization

Apply diluted balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms

Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid applying to dry soil

Pruning

Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly to encourage continuous blooming
Prune back leggy stems by one-third in early spring to maintain a compact shape
Remove diseased or damaged foliage promptly to improve airflow and reduce pest risk

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Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic due to triterpenoids; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potential liver damage

Humans: Ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including nausea and abdominal pain

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Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental garden shrub; attracts butterflies and other pollinators