Lantana urticoides --Texas Lantana--

This is the classic Texas native variety in a variety of fiery oranges. Blooms well through the worst summer heat, feeding pollinators when almost nothing else does. This drought-tolerant, deer-resistant gem, called “calico bush” for its vibrant yellow-to-red blooms, thrives in tough soils and blooms spring to fall. In zone 9a, plant it in full sun with well-drained soil, water weekly until settled, and prune to 8 inches in spring. Its nectar-rich flowers draw butterflies, especially the Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak, and bees for honey. Caution, berries are toxic to most mammals, though birds love them.