Annual lantana, scientifically known as Lantana camara, is a popular flowering plant cherished for its vibrant blooms and attractive foliage. Here's some information about annual lantana:

1. Appearance: Annual lantana is a bushy, spreading plant that typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall and wide, depending on the variety. It features dark green, serrated leaves and clusters of small, brightly colored flowers that bloom profusely throughout the summer and into fall. The flower clusters, known as umbels, can be solid colors or multi-colored, often featuring shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and lavender.

2. Blooms: The flowers of annual lantana are abundant and long-lasting, attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to the garden. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage continuous blooming and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.

3. Sunlight: Annual lantana thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom profusely. It can tolerate some shade, but it may produce fewer flowers and become leggy in low-light conditions.

4. Soil: Annual lantana prefers well-draining soil with moderate fertility. It can adapt to various soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils, as long as the drainage is good. Amending the soil with compost or organic matter can help improve soil structure and fertility.

5. Watering: Annual lantana has moderate water needs and prefers consistently moist soil. Water deeply and thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant and can withstand short periods of dryness.

6. Pruning: Pruning requirements for annual lantana are minimal. You can trim back the plant lightly in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged growth and promote bushy growth. Additionally, you can trim the plant to shape it or control its size as needed.

7. Uses: Annual lantana is commonly used as a colorful accent plant in landscape beds, borders, and containers. It works well as a mass planting, edging plant, or ground cover, providing continuous color throughout the summer. Additionally, the flowers attract pollinators and butterflies to the garden, making it a popular choice for wildlife gardens.

Overall, annual lantana is a versatile and attractive flowering plant that adds beauty and color to garden landscapes. With its vibrant blooms, attractive foliage, and easy care requirements, it's a popular choice for gardeners looking to create a vibrant and inviting outdoor space.