Lantana is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub or ground cover prized for its clusters of vibrant, ever-changing flowers. Popular in gardens for its drought tolerance and ability to attract pollinators
Lantana is a vibrant flowering plant native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and Africa. It belongs to the verbena family, Verbenaceae, which includes other ornamental plants like verbena and duranta. Known for its brightly colored flowers and robust nature, lantana is a popular choice for gardeners seeking a robust, drought-tolerant plant. However, its invasive tendencies in some regions require careful management.
Description: Lantana is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub or ground cover with aromatic foliage and clusters of small, tubular flowers that change colors as they mature.
Growth Habit: These plants exhibit a bushy, spreading habit, with some varieties growing upright while others sprawl as ground covers, ideal for hanging baskets or cascading over garden walls.
Size: Depending on the variety, lantana can grow 1 to 6 feet (0.3–1.8 meters) tall and 2 to 4 feet (0.6–1.2 meters) wide.
Flowers: Lantana flowers are small and tubular, arranged in dense, rounded clusters. Their colors often transition as they age, displaying combinations of red, orange, yellow, pink, purple, and white. This color-changing characteristic enhances their visual appeal in gardens.
Blooming Season: Lantana blooms profusely from late spring through fall, and in warmer climates, it may flower year-round.
Hardiness: Thriving in USDA zones 8–11, lantana is drought-tolerant, heat-resistant, and suited to poor soils, making it a reliable choice for challenging conditions.
Uses: Commonly used as ground covers, hedges, or accent plants, lantana is ideal for pollinator gardens and xeriscaping. Its bright blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Berries are eaten by birds.
Invasiveness: While not all lantana species are invasive, certain varieties, such as Lantana camara (Bigleaf Lantana), have become problematic in regions like Australia, India, parts of the United States, and South Africa. These invasive types spread rapidly, outcompeting native vegetation and disrupting ecosystems. Proper management and careful selection of non-invasive species can help mitigate these ecological concerns.
Find out where Lantana is invasive in the U.S.
Toxicity: Most lantana species are toxic to humans, pets, and livestock. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, labored breathing, and, in severe cases, liver failure, particularly in grazing animals. All parts of the plant, including flowers, fruits, leaves, and sap, contain pentacyclic triterpenoids (lantadenes), the primary toxic compounds. Contact with sap or bruised plant parts can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Due to its toxicity and potential harm to livestock, pets, and children, care should be taken when planting lantana, especially in areas accessible to animals or people. Poisonous flowers and plants: Identifying toxic risks around you
| Hardiness |
8 - 11 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 12 |
| Climate Zones | 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
| Plant Type | Perennials, Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Verbenaceae |
| Genus | Lantana |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
| Height | 1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm) |
| Spread | 1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral, Alkaline |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen, Fragrant |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit |
| Landscaping Ideas | Wall-Side Borders, Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders, Banks And Slopes, Hedges And Screens, Ground Covers |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Lantana includes a variety of species known for their vibrant blooms and adaptability. Here are some of the most common and widely grown types:
Lantana camara
Native to the tropical Americas, Lantana camara, commonly known as Common Lantana or Bigleaf Lantana, is a fast-growing perennial shrub. It reaches 3-6 feet in height and width, producing vibrant, multi-colored flowers from spring to frost. This species is popular for use in borders, hedges, and containers, attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
Lantana montevidensis
Known as Trailing Lantana, this South American native is perfect for ground covers and hanging baskets due to its trailing growth habit. It grows 1-2 feet tall and spreads up to 5 feet. Its lavender-purple flowers bloom year-round in warm climates, creating a cascading effect that enhances ornamental landscapes.
Lantana urticoides
Commonly called Texas Lantana, this species is native to the southern United States. It is a spreading shrub, growing 2-3 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide. Its spiny stems support bright orange or yellow flowers that bloom prolifically, even in harsh, arid conditions. This is a resilient choice for xeriscaping and hot climates.
Lantana involucrata
Button Sage, native to the Caribbean and South Florida, is a low-growing shrub that reaches 3-5 feet in height. It features serrated leaves and delicate white or pale lavender flowers that bloom year-round in warm climates. This species is highly valued for attracting butterflies and is well-suited to naturalized or coastal gardens.
Lantana is a versatile and vibrant addition to any landscape, renowned for its colorful blooms, low maintenance, and adaptability. With its ability to thrive in various conditions, it has become a favorite choice for gardeners and landscapers in both residential and commercial settings.
Ground Covers and Erosion Control
Trailing varieties like Lantana montevidensis are excellent for ground covers, creating a dense mat of foliage and flowers. Their spreading growth habit also helps control soil erosion on slopes and embankments. In areas prone to dry conditions, lantana is a reliable choice due to its drought tolerance.
Borders and Edges
Compact varieties are perfect for defining garden beds, pathways, or driveways. The plant’s vibrant flowers add a burst of color while its aromatic foliage may deter certain pests. It pairs well with ornamental grasses, succulents, or drought-tolerant shrubs, creating layered and dynamic garden borders.
Containers and Hanging Baskets
Lantana’s trailing and upright forms thrive in containers and hanging baskets, making them ideal for patios, balconies, or urban gardens. Combining lantana with other flowering plants, such as petunia, calibrachoa (million bells), or pentas (Egyptian star flower), can create eye-catching displays that spill over pots or cascade beautifully from baskets.
Pollinator Gardens
The brightly colored blooms of lantana are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Incorporating them into pollinator-friendly landscapes can support biodiversity while adding aesthetic appeal.
Coastal and Xeriscaping
Lantana’s ability to tolerate heat, drought, and poor soil makes it a standout for xeriscaping or coastal gardens. It pairs well with succulents and other water-wise plants, contributing to sustainable landscaping practices.
While lantana offers many benefits, it’s essential to choose non-invasive varieties and consider its toxicity, especially in spaces accessible to children, pets, or livestock. With thoughtful planning, lantana can transform any outdoor space into a vibrant and functional landscape.
Lantana’s vibrant blooms, drought tolerance, and adaptability make it an excellent choice for mixed plantings. To maximize its visual impact and ecological benefits, consider pairing this shrub with complementary companion plants that thrive in similar conditions.
Ornamental Grasses
Lantana pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses like pennisetum setaceum (fountain grass) , festuca glauca (blue fescue), or muhlenbergia capillaris (pink muhly grass). The grasses’ airy plumes provide a soft contrast to lantana’s dense, colorful flowers, creating a dynamic and textural display in borders or rock gardens.
Drought-Tolerant Perennials
Plants like salvia (sage), strelitzia (bird of paradise), and gaillardia (blanket flower) complement lantana’s bright blooms. These perennials share the same love for full sun and well-drained soil, making them ideal companions for low-maintenance or xeriscape gardens.
Succulents and Cacti
For a striking contrast, pair lantana with succulents like agave, aloe, or sedum (stonecrop). The structural foliage of succulents contrasts beautifully with lantana’s trailing or bushy growth habit, creating visual interest in desert-themed gardens.
Coastal Companions
In coastal areas, lantana thrives alongside plants like lavandula (lavender), eryngium (sea holly), and gazania (treasure flower). These plants share the same salt tolerance and love for sunny, breezy conditions.
When choosing companion plants, consider its growth habit and spacing needs. Avoid crowding lantana, as its vigorous growth can overshadow smaller companions. Together, these plants can create a thriving, low-maintenance, and visually stunning garden.
Lantana is a vibrant, easy-to-grow plant that thrives in warm climates and adds color to any garden. Follow these tips to grow healthy, flourishing lantanas.
Lantana is a hardy and low-maintenance plant, but it can occasionally face pests and diseases that require attention. Regular monitoring and prompt action can help maintain its health and vibrancy.
Lantana is a perennial in USDA zones 8-11 and will return every year in these climates. In colder zones, it is typically grown as an annual, although it may regrow if the roots are well-mulched and protected from frost.
Lantana is highly toxic to dogs if ingested, causing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, labored breathing, and in severe cases, liver failure or death. Keep it out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
Lantana thrives in full sun and requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce abundant blooms. While it can tolerate partial shade, its flowering will be significantly reduced.
Yes, lantana has been shown to have some mosquito-repelling properties due to the essential oils in its leaves and flowers. However, it is not a standalone solution and should be used alongside other mosquito control methods.
To encourage continuous blooming, plant lantana in full sun, water moderately, and apply a balanced fertilizer sparingly. Regularly prune spent flowers and leggy growth to stimulate new blooms throughout the season.
Deadheading is not strictly necessary, but removing spent blooms can promote reblooming and maintain a tidy appearance, especially in varieties that produce seeds after flowering. Regular pruning of faded flowers encourages prolonged blooming.
| Hardiness |
8 - 11 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 12 |
| Climate Zones | 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
| Plant Type | Perennials, Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Verbenaceae |
| Genus | Lantana |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
| Height | 1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm) |
| Spread | 1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral, Alkaline |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen, Fragrant |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit |
| Landscaping Ideas | Wall-Side Borders, Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders, Banks And Slopes, Hedges And Screens, Ground Covers |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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