This tender perennial dazzles with clusters of orange, apricot and red blooms that intensify in colour as they mature. Grown here as a standard (lollipop-shaped) form, Lantana camara ‘Simon Orange’ provides striking height and structure in pots and beds, and its bright, ever-changing flowers are irresistible to pollinators. It’s an ideal centrepiece for a sunny patio display and thrives with minimal fuss through the warmer months.
Lantana camara ‘Simon Orange’, commonly known as Standard Yellow Sage or simply Lantana, is grown for its fiery umbels of colour, tough nature, and long flowering period. Though not hardy in the UK, it can be overwintered in a greenhouse or bright conservatory.
|
Tender Perennial (treated as annual or overwintered)
|
Standard Tree Form, Long-Flowering, Bold Focal Point
|
Flowers: June – October
Foliage: May – First Frost
|
Scientific Name
Lantana camara ‘Simon Orange’ (camara refers to a twisting or arching growth habit in Latin)
Common Name
Lantana, Standard Yellow Sage, Shrub Verbena
Origin
Species native to Central and South America; cultivar selected for ornamental use
Pruning Tips
Pinch out early shoots to encourage branching. Deadhead spent blooms regularly. Lightly prune to maintain shape. If overwintering, cut back by half in autumn.
Wildlife Value
Excellent nectar source for butterflies and bees. Flower clusters continuously replenish throughout the season, providing ongoing support for pollinators.
Positioning
Needs a full sun position with shelter from cold winds. Perfect in a large container, sunny courtyard, or the centre of a hot-colour planting scheme.
Water
Water well during dry spells, especially in pots. Let the top layer of compost dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged roots.
Soil
Free-draining compost is essential. In containers, use loam-based compost with added grit or perlite for aeration.
Food
Feed every 2–3 weeks with a tomato fertiliser or high-potash feed to encourage flowering.
Pet-safe
Toxic if ingested and may irritate skin – keep out of reach of pets and children.
Sprouts Top Tips
To enjoy Simon Orange year after year, bring indoors before the first frost and place in a sunny, frost-free room. Prune to maintain a neat standard shape in late winter or early spring.
