Lantana - Gem™ Compact Pink Opal

Lantana camara 'Gem Compact Pink Opal' is a tender perennial renowned for its vibrant blooms and compact growth habit, making it a versatile addition to various garden settings. Here's a comprehensive guide on its characteristics and cultivation:

Plant Description:

• Foliage: Features dark green, scented leaves that are deciduous in nature.
• Flowers: Produces clusters of hot pink and yellow flowers that maintain their bright colors even under hot weather conditions. 

Growing Zones:

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 8b to 11. In colder regions, it is often grown as an annual. 

Mature Size:

• Height: Approximately 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm).
• Width: Spreads about 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm). 

Growing Conditions:

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming.
• Soil: Adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions but requires well-draining soil. It will not tolerate standing water. 
• Watering: Once established, it is drought-tolerant. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between sessions.
• Fertilization: Generally does not require much fertilization once established. However, it may appreciate a general-purpose fertilizer early in the growing season. 

Uses in Landscaping:

• Containers and Hanging Baskets: Its compact size and mounded habit make it ideal for containers and hanging baskets, adding vibrant color to patios and balconies.
• Landscape Borders: Serves as an excellent choice for sunny landscape borders, providing continuous color throughout the growing season.
• Ground Cover: Effective as a ground cover in xeriscapes due to its heat and drought tolerance.
• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, enhancing the biodiversity of the garden.

Native Range: Lantana camara is native to Central and South America. 

Maintenance Tips:

• Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. However, trimming back in early spring can encourage denser growth and more prolific blooming.
• Pest and Disease Control: Generally pest-free and disease-resistant. Ensure good air circulation to prevent potential issues.
• Winter Care: In zones cooler than 8b, consider mulching well in winter and avoid cutting back stems until after the last frost to protect the plant. 

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.