Luscious Royal Cosmo: Indeed a Lantana with universal appeal

Choosing to name a variety of lantana Cosmo may seem quite strange. While there are numerous definitions of the word Cosmo, it largely means a peaceful and harmonious system and/or universe. So, let’s apply that definition to the awardwinning Luscious Royale Cosmo lantana.

If you asked me, “Could you use this lantana in a monochromatic color scheme with the magenta Color Blaze Royale Cherry Brandy coleus?” I would say yes, and I have the photo to prove it. Then if the friend next to you asked, “Could they use it in a monochromatic color scheme with the orange Superbells Dreamsicle calibrachoa and coral-colored salvias?” I would say yes, and I’ve got the photos to prove it. But if you are not looking for monochromatic, don’t worry. It is the ultimate complementary color scheme plant for the Rockin Blue Suede Shoes salvia or whatever your favorite blue flower happens to be.

Now, you may be starting to see why I have not written per se about the awardwinning Luscious Royale Cosmo lantana. Everyone would have thought I may be off my rocker, so to speak. This sounds like the pilot for the horticultural version of the Three Faces of Eve. I assure you, it’s not me, it's the lantana.

Another reason the name Cosmo and its definition is most appropriate is the Luscious Royale Cosmo lantana has been winning awards like Perfect Score All Season, which is a real challenge for plants, no matter where the trials are located. Not only did it win this award at Oklahoma State, but also Oregon State and the Leader of the Pack All Season at North Carolina State. Then you can add a dozen and a half more Top Performer Awards in other states from east to west and north to south. Indeed, it is starting to sound like a peaceful and harmonious plant for the system, or our home universe.

Someone else might ask, “Does it bring in butterflies” Yes, I have the photos. “Does it bring in hummingbirds?” someone else asks. Yes, I have the photos and I will add bees too. I have been growing it for three years and haven’t seen the first fruit, hence no seeds.

Proven Winners touts it as a possible perennial in zones 9 and warmer and a most worthy annual elsewhere. Mine have returned in my zone 8a landscape in West Georgia and I will be quick to add our winters have been mild since I planted it. I’ll update you next year.

Proven Winners tag says Luscious Royale Cosmo bloom color is magenta-purple with yellow-orange highlights. If it is like other lantanas the individual florets change colors throughout the day. So, the color at 9 a.m. will be decidedly different at 4 p.m. This is a most enjoyable process and I hope you take time to enjoy it.

Luscious Royale Cosmos lantana thrives in full, blazing sun. My son James gets riotous colors in commercial settings like the shopping centers and business complexes. They are somewhat softer in color at my home where I am sunchallenged. The floral display has still been excellent providing a feast of color for the eyes and nectar for the pollinators.

Fertile, well-drained soil gives the best performance and certainly improves chances for a spring return where possible. It is projected to reach 2 feet tall and wide which is just perfect in the home landscape. In the South, you could push three feet which is still super. The name Cosmo is definitely most appropriate and I predict you too will fall in love with it. Put it high on your must have list. Follow me on Facebook @NormanWinterTheGardenGuy for more photos and garden inspiration.