Origin
Lantana tiliifolia Cham. forma glandulosa (Schauer) R.Fern. belongs to the family Verbenaceae. This plant is native to Central and South America, including Mexico, and is also found in the southwestern region of the United States and the Caribbean.
Common Names
The common names for Lantana tiliifolia Cham. forma glandulosa (Schauer) R.Fern. are white shrub, shrub verbena, lantana, and wild sage.
Uses
Lantana tiliifolia Cham. forma glandulosa (Schauer) R.Fern. has several medicinal uses in traditional medicine. It is used to treat fever, respiratory infections such as cold and cough, gastrointestinal problems, and skin conditions. The leaves of the plant are used to make an infusion, decoction, or syrup for medicinal purposes.
General Appearance
Lantana tiliifolia Cham. forma glandulosa (Schauer) R.Fern. is a woody shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The leaves are opposite, simple, and oval-shaped, with a length of 3-8 cm and width of 2-5 cm. The leaves have a smooth upper surface and a hairy lower surface, with serrated edges. The flower clusters are white, tubular, and have a distinct aroma. The clusters are 2-3 inches and bloom from summer to fall. The fruit of the plant is a drupe that is 4 mm in diameter and contains one seed.
Light Requirements
Lantana tiliifolia Cham. forma glandulosa (Schauer) R.Fern. thrives in full sunlight exposure. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight exposure every day to stimulate healthy growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is indigenous to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. Therefore, it prefers warm temperature conditions that range from 60°F to 90°F. In areas with cold winters, Lantana tiliifolia Cham. forma glandulosa (Schauer) R.Fern. tends to die back to the ground but regenerates in the following spring.
Soil Requirements
Lantana tiliifolia Cham. forma glandulosa (Schauer) R.Fern. prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6 to 7.2. It can tolerate sandy, loamy, or clay soils as well as occasional drought conditions. However, it is sensitive to waterlogging which can cause root rot and other fungal infections.
Cultivation methods
Lantana tiliifolia Cham. forma glandulosa (Schauer) R.Fern. is a plant that can be cultivated in a wide range of soils with good drainage. It prefers full sunlight and warm temperatures and can tolerate drought conditions. This plant is usually propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Watering needs
Regular watering is essential for Lantana tiliifolia Cham. forma glandulosa (Schauer) R.Fern. during the growing season. The plant prefers moist soil, but it's important not to overwater it. Saturated soil can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases that can damage or even kill the plant. Once the plant is fully established, it can tolerate some dry periods and moderate drought conditions.
Fertilization
Lantana tiliifolia Cham. forma glandulosa (Schauer) R.Fern. requires regular fertilization during the growing season for optimum growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. Fertilizer application should be done once a month. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and poor flowering.
Pruning
Pruning Lantana tiliifolia Cham. forma glandulosa (Schauer) R.Fern. regularly encourages bushy growth and more flowering. Pruning should be done in early spring to remove dead and damaged stems and promote new growth. The plant can also be pruned after flowering to remove spent flowers and encourage the growth of new flowers. Care should be taken not to over-prune as it can delay flowering and weaken the plant.
Propagation of Lantana tiliifolia Cham. forma glandulosa (Schauer) R.Fern.
Lantana tiliifolia Cham. forma glandulosa (Schauer) R.Fern. is a shrub that can be easily propagated through various methods. Propagation means the generation of a new plant from different sources of plant parts. The propagation of Lantana tiliifolia Cham. forma glandulosa (Schauer) R.Fern. can be done through:
Seed propagation
Seeds are one of the easiest ways to propagate Lantana tiliifolia Cham. forma glandulosa (Schauer) R.Fern. To propagate using this method, collect ripe seeds from the plant and sow them in well-draining soil. Keep them moist and place them in a warm and sunny area. The seeds will germinate in a few weeks, and once they have reached a height of 3-4 inches, they can be transplanted to their final growing location.
Cutting propagation
Another way to propagate Lantana tiliifolia Cham. forma glandulosa (Schauer) R.Fern. is through cuttings. This method is simple and can be done with both softwood and hardwood cuttings. For best results, take 3-6 inch stem cuttings from the plant, ensuring each cutting includes a node (where the leaves meet the stem). Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting, leaving only one or two leaves on the upper portion. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in indirect sunlight until they root. In approximately 2-4 weeks, the cuttings will start to grow. Once they have reached a height of 3-4 inches, they can be transplanted to their final growing location.
Layering propagation
Layering is another method that can be used to propagate Lantana tiliifolia Cham. forma glandulosa (Schauer) R.Fern.. In this method, a low hanging branch of the plant is pinned down to the ground and partially buried. Over time, this branch will root, and once it has established itself, it can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to its final growing location.
Disease and Pest Management for Lantana tiliifolia Cham. forma glandulosa (Schauer) R.Fern.
Lantana tiliifolia Cham. forma glandulosa (Schauer) R.Fern., commonly known as shrub verbena, is a hardy perennial plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can still be affected by a few common diseases and pests. Here are some of the common issues that you might encounter while growing this plant:
Diseases
Powdery Mildew: Leaves of the plant affected by powdery mildew will have a white, powdery coating on them. The disease can stunt the growth of the plant and lead to yellowing and wilting. To prevent its spreading, it is important to prune off all affected areas and clean the pruners with a disinfectant spray after use. Fungicide sprays like sulfur or copper can also help to treat the mildew.
Root Rot: This disease is caused by overwatering, and it can potentially kill the plant. Signs of root rot include yellow and wilted leaves. One way to prevent this disease from occurring is to ensure proper drainage by amending the soil with sand or perlite.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids feed on the sap of the plant and can be identified by the sticky residue they leave behind on the leaves. Natural predators like ladybirds or lacewings can be encouraged to feed on them or you can spray the plant with a solution of insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
Spider Mites: These pests cause yellow stippling on the leaves of the plant, which may turn brown and fall off. Neem oil spray can kill spider mites, though you should repeat the application after a few days to ensure that you have eliminated all mites.
By being vigilant and ensuring that the plant has optimal growing conditions, you can prevent and manage any diseases and pests that might affect your Lantana tiliifolia Cham. forma glandulosa (Schauer) R.Fern.
