Lantana ‘Gold Mound’ is a popular, low-maintenance plant known for its continuous display of golden-yellow flowers. It serves well as a groundcover, in mixed borders, or as a container plant, adding consistent color to outdoor spaces.
Lantana Gold Mound Characteristics
Lantana ‘Gold Mound’ has a compact, mounding growth habit, typically reaching heights of 18 to 24 inches and spreading 2 to 3 feet wide. Its lush green foliage consists of small, egg-shaped, lightly textured leaves that release a citrus-like scent when brushed. The plant produces profuse golden-yellow flowers in dense, spherical clusters throughout the growing season. These showy, tubular flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it a beneficial addition to pollinator gardens. This plant is highly valued for its resilience, particularly its drought tolerance and heat resistance, allowing it to thrive in challenging conditions. It adapts well to poor soil conditions, making it a favorite for xeriscapes and low-maintenance landscapes. Additionally, Lantana ‘Gold Mound’ is notably deer-resistant, providing an advantage for gardeners where deer browsing is a concern.
Planting and Ongoing Care
Sunlight and Soil
Lantana ‘Gold Mound’ thrives in full sun exposure, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and prolific flowering. This plant prefers well-drained soil and can adapt to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or rocky conditions. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is generally preferred for best results.
Watering
Once established, Lantana ‘Gold Mound’ exhibits excellent drought tolerance, requiring minimal watering. For newly planted specimens, consistent watering is necessary for the first few weeks to help the root system establish. After establishment, water every 7 to 10 days during the growing season, ensuring the soil dries out between waterings. During prolonged dry spells or peak summer heat, occasional deep watering can encourage more vibrant blooms. Overly frequent watering can lead to problems like root rot.
Fertilizing
Lantana ‘Gold Mound’ has minimal fertilization requirements and generally does not need frequent feeding. A single application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring is usually sufficient to support its growth and blooming. If planted in rich soil, it may require even less. Over-fertilization should be avoided, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production. Too much fertilizer can also reduce bloom and make plants more susceptible to disease.
Pruning
Pruning is beneficial for maintaining the plant’s compact shape and encouraging a bushier growth habit. Lightly shearing the tips of the stems throughout the season promotes continuous blooming by encouraging new flower buds. For established plants, a heavier pruning in late winter or early spring, cutting back to within 6 to 12 inches from the ground, helps remove old growth and stimulates vigorous new growth before the blooming season begins. Deadheading spent flowers can also enhance its appearance and prolong the blooming period.
Common Problems
Lantana ‘Gold Mound’ is generally a robust and low-maintenance plant with few significant problems. However, gardeners might occasionally encounter certain pests. Common insect issues include whiteflies, which can cause sooty mold on leaves, and lace bugs, leading to grayish or stippled foliage. Spider mites and caterpillars may also occasionally affect the plant. Managing these pests often involves horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps if infestations become problematic. Fungal issues, such as root rot, can occur if the plant is subjected to overly wet conditions or poorly drained soil. Powdery mildew may appear if the plant is grown in shaded areas. Ensuring proper sunlight exposure and well-drained soil helps prevent most of these potential problems.
Winter Care
Lantana ‘Gold Mound’ is typically hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 11, where it can be grown as a perennial. In these warmer climates, it may die back to the ground during mild winters but will return in the spring. For gardeners in marginal zones, such as USDA Zone 8, protecting the plant during winter is advisable. Applying a layer of mulch around the root zone can help insulate it from colder temperatures. In colder regions (USDA Zones 7 and below), Lantana ‘Gold Mound’ is often treated as an annual, as it is not tolerant of frost and will likely perish if temperatures drop below 28°F. For those wishing to overwinter potted plants in cold climates, they can be brought indoors to a bright location before the first frost.