Some lantanas are hardier than others in winter
Q. Are there any species of lantana that are perennial here in Tidewater? — A. O’Rork, Virginia Beach
A. The 150-plus species of Lantana spp. are members of the Verbenaceae family and are native to the tropical Americas and South Africa. Lantanas are technically perennials that we grow as annuals here in Tidewater (Hardiness Zone 8a to 7b). They are annuals in Zones 1-8, perennials in Zones 9-13 and tender perennials in Zones 7-8. And as you undoubtedly know, they do not tolerate hard frosts and winters. It is possible that it might survive a very mild winter with some winter protection. They can be overwintered in a cool garage much like a geranium.
Having confused you with all of that, there are a few introductions that have some cold tolerance in Zones 7b-13. Miss Huff is a coldresistant variety that has been around for a while. Monrovia Nursery touts that established clumps of the variety have withstood temperatures of zero degrees. I’ve seen it offered by several nurseries. In addition to it, Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh, N.C., offers some introductions such as Lantana camara Ham & Eggs, Southern Fried, Star Landing and Chapel Hill. I have seen Chapel Hill available locally.
Plant Delights recommends getting the plants well-established with a good, strong root system before September. Also, it is important to locate in a spot that stays dry, not wet, all winter. Last, it suggests waiting until spring to cut back the old stems.
Q. I was told you can help me. In late April, this was growing on our cedar tree — looks like a gum ball with tentacles. It’s jelly-like. What the heck is it!? — S. Dreyer, Chesapeake
A. Great photo of cedar-apple rust. The pathogen requires plants from two different families to complete its complex life cycle, alternating between red cedar or juniper of the Cupressaceae and one such as apple, crabapple or Hawthorn of the Roseaceae.
Your photo is of the teliahorns, on which teliaspores germinate, producing basidiospores which are wind-blown and infect the alternate Rosaceae host. Cool/wet weather this spring was perfect for development.
For more info and control measures, take a look this University of Minnesota Extension bulletin, Managing Rust on Easter Red Cedar at bit.ly/redcedarrust for more information.
And one more thing
Certified arborist Tim Nuckols, of Nuckols Tree Care. wrote that he has seen many trees with leaf fungal infections, including sycamore anthracnose and tubacia leaf spot on oak. He also attributes this to the unusually cool and wet spring.
He notes that healthy trees should recover from most of these and regain their leaves by July. Trees that have been in decline may be at risk, but healthy ones should withstand several bouts of defoliation. He does not recommend thinning, as these trees need all of the healthy foliage they can muster to compensate for the defoliation.
As for hiring for tree work, he suggests getting recommendations from professional groups, extension agents and green industry professionals. Find someone you trust, get a second opinion if needed, and expect to pay a consultation fee.
Sound advice.
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