Temperatures are rising, the days are getting longer and it is time to open the doors to spring.
Gardens and balconies are meticulously cleaned, refreshed after a long winter. The traditional hunt for plants, flowers and the most beautiful accessories to decorate the much loved “green” corner of the house is also starting.
Among the most original, fanciful and functional ideas for the outside of the house, here are those proposed by the editorial staff in a previous article, which can be viewed by clicking WHO.
In this space, however, the focus is on an exceptional plant, with bright colors that will make the terrace, the balcony or the garden of the house unique.
The balcony will always be colorful with this exceptional plant, resistant and that repels mosquitoes
In detail, we are about to present a plant that not only decorates very well but has the ability to repel insects. Especially mosquitoes.
We are talking about the lantana, a evergreen vegetable belonging to the Verbenaceae family.
Native to Central and South America, this plant is now widespread all over the world for its wonderful flowering that lasts many months.
Its flowers are iridescent and change shades over time. There are several varieties of this shrub that are distinguished by the color of the flowers.
Which varieties to choose?
Depending on the colors of the flowers, we can distinguish:
a) the “lantana camara” which is tinged with red and orange shades;
b) the “lantana mutabilis” with yellow, white and lilac flowers;
c) the “lantana cloth of gold” with deep yellow colored flowers;
d) the “lantana rose queen” which changes color from yellow to pink;
e) And finally, the “lantana spreading sunset” which starts from yellow flowers that gradually acquire the shades of pale red.
The blooms are truly a satisfaction not only for the colorful colors but also for the duration of the flowers, that is from May to October.
The leaves emit an unpleasant odor for insects and this is why lantanas are also called repellent plants.
How to grow and care for the shrub
If grown in the ground, this plant is immediately resistant and capable of rapidly developing many bushes. This way, it will need constant maintenance and pruning.
If grown in pots, however, I will need a deep pot and draining soil.
In both cases, it is recommended to place the lantana in the sun but not too exposed, especially in summer.
Lantana needs hydration but absolutely to be avoided are the stagnation of water that causes the creation of mold and bacteria.
The only counter-indication: it is advisable not to handle it too much and not to let pets near its leaves and berries, considered poisonous. However, with a little attention, your balcony will always be colorful with this exceptional, resistant and mosquito-repellent plant.
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