Lantana camara ‘Bandana Red’ - Shrub Verbena - British Grown

This vibrant perennial (often grown as an annual in the UK) produces clusters of fiery red, orange, and yellow blooms from late spring through to the first frost. Lantana camara ‘Bandana Red’ is a compact variety with a mounding, bushy habit, making it ideal for containers, bedding, and pollinator-friendly borders. Loved by butterflies and bees, its colourful flowers stand out brilliantly against its dark green foliage.

Lantana camara ‘Bandana Red’, commonly known as Lantana or Shrub Verbena, is celebrated for its bold colours and heat tolerance. Its flowers are especially attractive to pollinators and provide extended interest throughout the warmer months. In the UK, it’s best treated as an annual or overwintered indoors.

Scientific Name
Lantana camara ‘Bandana Red’ (from Latin lantana, referencing Viburnum lantana, due to similarity in flower clusters)

Synonyms
None widely accepted; part of the ‘Bandana’ series bred for compact growth

Common Name
Lantana, Shrub Verbena

Origin
Native to Central and South America; ‘Bandana Red’ cultivar bred for ornamental use

Pruning Tips
Deadhead regularly to promote continual blooming. Light pruning may help maintain a compact shape. Cut back hard if overwintering indoors.

Wildlife Value
Highly attractive to butterflies and bees. Nectar-rich flowers provide a valuable food source from late spring onwards.

Positioning
Full sun is essential for best flowering. Perfect for warm, sheltered spots, pots on patios, or sunny garden beds.

Water
Keep well-watered in dry spells, especially in containers. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid waterlogging.

Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil. Does well in loam-based or multi-purpose compost in pots. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Food
Feed every 2–3 weeks during the growing season with a high-potash feed to encourage blooming.

Pet-safe
Toxic if ingested – keep away from pets and children. May cause skin irritation.

Sprouts Top Tips
In the UK, treat Lantana camara as an annual, or bring pots indoors before the first frost. It appreciates a bright, frost-free conservatory or sunny windowsill over winter.