Botanical Name: Lantana camara ‘Bandana® Cherry’

Common Name: Lantana

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Warm Regions (USDA Zones 9–11); Grown as an Annual Elsewhere

Size: 12–18" Tall × 18–24" Spread

Growth Habit: Compact, Mounding, Well-Branched Habit

Sunlight: Full Sun (Best Flowering and Color)

Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Poor or Sandy Soils

Water Needs: Low; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Late Spring through Frost

Fertilizer: Minimal; Avoid Excess Nitrogen

Features: Rich Cherry-Red Flower Clusters, Compact Habit, Exceptional Heat Tolerance, Pollinator Friendly

Uses: Containers, Borders, Mass Plantings, Pollinator Gardens, Low-Maintenance Landscapes

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

See our complete Lantana Growth & Care Guide for more in depth care details.

More About Lantana ‘Bandana® Cherry’

‘Bandana® Cherry’ is a Lantana all about clarity and intensity of color. Instead of shifting tones or blending multiple hues, this variety delivers a true, saturated cherry red that reads bold and unmistakable from across the garden. In large plantings, that solid color creates a strong visual anchor, especially when surrounded by lighter or contrasting companions. Even in the thick of Summer heat, when some reds can dull or fade, ‘Bandana® Cherry’ holds its depth and richness, giving you dependable color from Late Spring straight through Fall.

As part of the Bandana® Series, this selection was bred for tighter branching, compact structure, and better overall garden control. It grows into a dense, mounded shape rather than sprawling outward or becoming leggy by midseason. That makes it far easier to use in mixed containers, along borders, or massed in landscape beds where uniformity matters. You get the nonstop bloom cycle and heat tolerance that Lantana is famous for, but in a more polished, predictable form that stays tidy all season.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our Zone 8a trials here in the Upstate, ‘Bandana® Cherry’ has been one of the most consistent red varieties we grow. It establishes quickly in full sun, pushes steady blooms even through extended dry stretches, and rarely requires shaping to keep it looking balanced. Once it settles in, it handles heat and humidity without sulking, which is critical for our long Summers. The habit stays full and rounded with minimal maintenance, making it an easy recommendation for customers who want strong color without constant trimming.

From a design standpoint, that solid red gives us flexibility. It works beautifully in patriotic combinations, bold Summer containers, or high-impact landscape beds where you want a clear, confident statement. Butterflies and bees visit frequently, adding movement and life to the planting. When someone wants a dependable red that will not wash out or get unruly, ‘Bandana® Cherry’ consistently delivers.

Bandana® Cherry vs. Other Lantana Varieties

Bandana® Cherry delivers deep cherry-red blooms with subtle tonal variation, giving it more dimension than other Bandana® Selections. Compared to Bandana® Red, Cherry feels slightly softer and more complex, while still maintaining strong color impact. It contrasts nicely with brighter varieties like Pink or Yellow and pairs beautifully with Gold for a warm palette. Compared to larger multi-tone Lantanas, Cherry keeps its color and shape more consistent throughout the season.

Bandana® Cherry delivers deeper color saturation and a more substantial plant than Lucky® and Little Lucky™ red-pink blends, which are better suited for tight spacing. Lucky Series plants excel in uniformity, but Bandana® Cherry offers more visual depth in mixed borders. Compared to Dallas Red, Cherry is more refined and compact, offering rich color without the larger, more dominant stature.