Lantana

Day 238: Although some species of Lantana are considered invasive in the warmer climates of the southern states, they do not survive the winters of the northern regions and are popular raised as annuals in the summer garden. There are many cultivars on the market, in just about every colour of the rainbow. This one is trademarked as "Hot-Blooded Red." The umbels often exhibit several shades in their specific colour range, the flowers changing hue with age. While most animals avoid eating them, it should be noted that they are poisonous to dogs, cats and ruminants. However, butterflies and other insects are drawn to them, and birds enjoy the small fruits when they are mature. This solitary plant has been given a task. I am growing it in a pot adjacent to my hardy kiwi vines in the hopes of drawing pollinators to the hundreds of kiwi flowers almost ready to burst open.