Hello Gardeners, This is my first post, but I am sure not my last. I have recently retired and am now looking forward to getting to know my garden well. My first question has to do with two topiary type trees that were in large containers in our front yard that were left by the previous owner. When we moved in last summer they were in full bloom with small orange/rust coloured flowers. They shed their leaves in the fall and were protected by an overhang during the winter. This spring, they have yet to develop any new leaf shoots and I am afraid that they may have died. What do I need to understand about this type of ornamental tree? We live in Tsawwassen (South Delta BC) which I believe is in zone 8 (according to the zone map) with temperatures similar to Victoria BC. Patti
Hello Patti, Lantana montevidensis is in fact a trailing plant, and so it is not the species that you have in your containers. I have not come across a species of lantana that is hardy to a region colder than zone 7b. It is important to consider, when planting in containers, that a plant must be tolerant of zone colder than the one in which you live. The previous owners may have planted the lantana with the knowledge that they would only survive one season or they may have brought the plants in each season. In order to check if your plants are still alive scratch the surface and look for green tissue which indicates that the plants are alive. Raakel
Thanks so much for the reply Raakel. I was beginning to wonder if I also had the wrong name. The flowers and leaves look exactly like the pictures from Arizona, and it is certainly a whole lot warmer there than in BC during the winters. I have scratched the barks surface as you suggest and there is no green underneath. Looks like I have two big containers to fill this spring! Thanks again. Patti
