Lantana?'s

[chessie]

Hey Buds,

I have a hanging basket of lantana in my butterfly garden. The butterflies love it and so do the hummingbirds. I had been cutting off the green berries that have been forming after the flower is done. I've recently noticed that they are turning blue. If I leave them will the other birds eat them. Will leaving them stop the plan from blooming? I understand that in the South that lantana grows as a shrub. I thought I would bring it in to winter over in the house. Any other thought and information would be appreciated.

Thanks, Chessie

 

[Tulirose]

I don't know anything about Lantanas. I checked some books I have and that didn't give me much info either other than the fact that they are considered annuals in zones 2 to 9 and perennials in zones 10 & 11.

Unfortunately the one book I had that probablly would have given me good info on this plant I returned to library today (and paid a 2.50 late fee charge).

Hoping someone else can be more helpful than me!

 

[Snowwark]

I'm not going to be of much help to you, Chessie....

I've grown annual lantana, but not this year, so I don't remember or know, about the berries and the birds. I'll see what I can find...

The lantana that grows in the warmer zones that Tulirose mentioned, is also known as Shrub Verbena, and the following link has lots of info on it, in case you're interested.

Shrub Verbena

 

[chessie]

Thanks, Here is the information I was wondering about. If I bring it into the house to winter, I will definitely have to make sure I cut off and destroy the berries as they form. I might have to rethink bringing it into the house since I have a cat and visiting grandchildren

Fruits: Fleshy 2 seeded drupe turning from green to metallic blue when ripe; green fruit is poisonous for animals and humans, ripe fruit is consumed by birds which spread the seeds

 

[Snowwark]

Glad you were able to find some info, Chessie. I understand your child and pet concerns. Do you have a spot to put it where it couldn't be reached?