Question
I took on the huge task of gardening at my job last year and Ive found a green thumb i didn't know i had or wanted but now I'm riddled with questions and i think the guys at pike nursery are frankly getting sick of me. I'm wondering...What are the green (then blueish black) beads that grow like crazy all over my Lantana plants? should i be picking them? If i do will there be more blooms where the beads are now growing? And are too many beads a sign of me doing something wrong light/h20 etc?  Also I'm looking for some beautiful (exotic looking and NO pink) shade blooms or even a small flowering bush for a large shady area

Answer
Jeneva - Those black beads are seeds!  And no, picking them off won't encourage more flowering. Seeing them means your Lantana is happy & vigorous.  Don't bother removing them as they'll fall off all on their own, unless you don't like the look.  Birds will feed on them as well.

Lantana is grown as an annual in some areas, but is a perennial and can get quite large(from 4-10 feet tall) depending on the variety.  There are about 30 varieties commercially grown across the US.  They are considered a noxious weed in Hawaii & Australia.

Exotic-looking shade plants with flowers:

http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/full-part-shade-perennials.html#
http://springhillnursery.com/shade-plants/c/1718/

You don't have to but them from White Flower or Spring Hill, but they have a good selection to look at on-line.  Check on your USDA zone, to see which are best for your area.  You can also grow some perennials as annuals, if you like them.  

Regards ~Marc