LANTANA sellowiana (=L. montevidensis)

Suitable to any exposure, it prefers those in partial shade especially in regions with high summer temperatures; it grows well in soils of any nature, preferably fertile and well drained. It tolerates saltiness of sea winds in coastal areas as well as short periods of modest drought ', taking advantage instead of constant summer wetting. It bears winter temperatures a few degrees below zero: in case of more intense and prolonged cold it defends itself by partially defoliating, ready to dress quickly in spring. At the vegetative restart it can be useful, together with the elimination of dry and bulky parts, to generously trim the various stems to stimulate their thicker and more compact growth. It is perfect on terraces and balconies in large containers or sometimes in suspended pots, exploiting its decorative and tidy aspect as much as a climber, as a ground cover or hanging; in the garden and in the open ground, however, it best expresses all its exuberance, managing with ease and lightness to climb up espaliers, fences and pergolas or to cover large areas of land: its overall neutral appearance allows it to be combined with various other essences with contrasting blooms or foliage.