The Lantana plant belongs to the genus Lantana and the family Verbenaceae. Native to tropical regions of the Americas and Africa, Lantana has become naturalized in parts of the American Southeast. With over 150 species, these flowering plants bloom nonstop from late spring all the way through frost. In warmer climates, they’ll even keep flowering nearly year-round!
Lantana can be grown as an annual in cooler regions, while it’s perennial in USDA zones 9 to 11. Its growth habit varies from low-growing ground covers to mounding shrubs that can reach up to 6 feet tall in tropical climates. Lantana thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, with a preference for slightly acidic to neutral pH levels (6.0-8.0). It is drought-tolerant and can withstand temperatures as low as 28 degrees Fahrenheit, though a light frost may not kill it.
Lantana’s multicolored flowers can be in shades of orange, pink, purple, red, white, and yellow, and they can change color as they age. Lantana can be toxic to pets and people, so it’s best to plant it in areas where small children and curious animals won’t be tempted to bother it.
Major Species
- Common lantana (Lantana camara)
- Trailing Lantana (Lantana montevidensis)
- Popcorn Lantana (Lantana trifolia)
- Weeping Lantana (Lantana depressa)
- Buttonsage (Lantana involucrata)
- Texas lantana (Lantana urticoides)
- Desert lantana (Lantana achyranthifolia)
- Creeping lantana (Lantana amoena)
- Brushland shrubverbena (Lantana achyranthifolia)
Common lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana Camara has a sprawling habit, and it can be either an annual or a perennial, small, broadleaf evergreen shrub. It produces small and tubular flowers in clusters at the ends of the stems. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11, where it can be grown as a perennial garden plant.
Lantana camara is considered invasive in many parts of the world. It was brought to Europe by Dutch explorers and has since spread to Asia and Oceania where it has established itself as a notorious weed.
There are many cultivars of Lantana camara and produce flowers in colors of yellow, orange, pink, purple and white – often with single blooms changing color as they mature.
Cultivars of Lantana camara
- Gold Mound Lantana (Lantana camara ‘Gold Mound’)
- Miss Huff Lantana (Lantana camara ‘Miss Huff’)
- Confetti Lantana (Lantana camara ‘Confetti’)
- Dallas Red Lantana (Lantana camara ‘Dallas Red’)
- Bandana Cherry Pie Lantana (Lantana camara ‘Bandana Cherry Pie’)
- Patriot Dwarf Lantana (Lantana camara ‘Patriot Dwarf’)
- Habana Sunset Lantana (Lantana camara ‘Habana Sunset’)
- Lemon Drop Lantana (Lantana camara ‘Lemon Drop’)
Trailing Lantana (Lantana montevidensis)
Trailing lantana, also known as weeping lantana, creeping lantana, or simply Lantana montevidensis has a long season of reliable blooms. These blooms are usually in shades of rosy lilac, lavender, or even purple, often with a contrasting yellow throat.
Trailing lantana has a sprawling, low-growing form, reaching a mature height of only 12-18 inches. However, its true magic lies in its ability to spread outwards, forming a dense and visually appealing mat of foliage that can reach up to 5 feet wide. It is usually grown in California to protect against soil erosion on dry hillsides.
Cultivars of Trailing Lantana
- Pink Trailing Lantana (Lantana montevidensis ‘Rose’)
- Lavender Swirl Lantana (Lantana montevidensis ‘Lavender’)
- New Gold Lantana (Lantana montevidensis ‘New Gold ‘
- Clear White Lantana (Lantana montevidensis ‘Clear White’)
- Alba Lantana (Lantana montevidensis ‘Alba’)
Popcorn Lantana (Lantana trifolia)
The Popcorn Lantana (Lantana trifolia), also known as Threeleaf Lantana, Shrub Verbena, or Lavender Popcorn is a frost-tender scrambling lantana variety that can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) tall. It has a bushy, spreading growth habit and can be grown as a rounded shrub or trained to climb.
The leaves grow in whorls of three, hence the name “trifolia.” They are dark green, elliptic to ovate in shape.
The flowers are small, lavender-colored, and borne in clusters. They bloom throughout the growing season, attracting butterflies and other pollinators.
After the flowers fade, the clusters elongate and develop into clusters of small, dark purple fruits. These fruits are tightly packed together, resembling a cob of popcorn, hence the name “popcorn lantana.”
Cultivars of Popcorn Lantana (Lantana trifolia)
- Fruity Pebbles:This cultivar has lavender flowers that fade to a colorful mix of purple, pink, and orange fruit.
Weeping Lantana (Lantana depressa)
Weeping Lantana, often identified as Lantana depressa, is a low-growing, native Florida perennial that thrives in the state’s sandy, well-drained soils and sunny pinelands. This shrub, reaching 1-2 feet tall and spreading 3-5 feet wide, is prized for its clusters of bright yellow flowers that bloom nearly year-round, attracting butterflies and other pollinators. Unlike its invasive cousin Lantana camara, it’s non-aggressive and plays nicely with local ecosystems.
Its small, oval leaves are dark green with a slightly rough texture, curling inward at the edges—a key trait distinguishing it from hybrids. Hardy in zones 9-11, it tolerates drought and salt, making it ideal for coastal gardens or xeriscaping. The plant produces small, purple-black berries, enjoyed by birds, though it’s less prolific in fruiting than some lantanas, focusing energy on its vibrant blooms.
While Lantana depressa is often confused with Lantana montevidensis (true “weeping lantana”), it’s a distinct species with a more upright habit than the trailing South American variety. It’s low-maintenance—needing little water once established—and resists pests well, though it can hybridize with invasive lantanas if not monitored. This native gem shines in rock gardens, borders, or as a ground cover.
Cultivars of Lantana depressa
- Lantana depressa var. depressa: The classic pineland form with bright yellow flowers and compact growth, endemic to Miami-Dade County.
- Lantana depressa var. floridana: Slightly larger leaves and a broader range along Florida’s east coast, still with vivid yellow blooms.
- Lantana depressa var. sanibelensis: Found on Sanibel Island, featuring a subtle variation in leaf size and a robust spreading habit.
Buttonsage (Lantana involucrata)
Lantana Buttonsage (Lantana involucrata), commonly known as buttonsage or wild sage, is a native Florida shrub that flourishes in coastal dunes, pinelands, and hammocks from Central Florida to the Keys. Growing 3-5 feet tall and wide in zones 8-11, it bears fragrant, tubular flowers in tight clusters—white to pale lavender—blooming nearly year-round, attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. This tough evergreen thrives in full sun with sandy, well-drained soil, tolerating drought and salt effortlessly.
Its small, oval leaves are rough-textured, toothed, and emit a sage-like scent when crushed, enhancing its sensory appeal. After flowering, it produces tiny, purple-black berries that ripen in fall, a treat for birds like mockingbirds, though the plant focuses more on blooms than fruit. Unlike its invasive relative Lantana camara, it’s a well-behaved native, perfect for sustainable landscaping.
Buttonsage excels as a hedge, border, or wildlife plant, needing little care once established—prune lightly to shape if desired. Its deer resistance and heat tolerance make it a standout in tough conditions, though its toxic sap requires caution around pets and kids. This subtle beauty brings fragrance and function to any garden.
Cultivars of Lantana involucrata
- ‘Lavender Swirl’: Offers white-to-lavender flowers with a swirling pattern, slightly more compact.
- ‘Alba’: Features pure white blooms, ideal for brightening shaded or evening gardens.
- ‘Pink Edge’: Shows white flowers with delicate pink-tipped edges, adding a soft accent.
Texas lantana (Lantana urticoides)
Texas Lantana (Lantana urticoides), also known as calico bush or West Indian lantana, is a native shrub of the southwestern U.S., thriving from Texas to Arizona and south into Mexico. Growing 2-6 feet tall and wide in zones 8-11, it bursts with vibrant, multi-colored flower clusters—yellow, orange, and red—blooming from spring to frost, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. This tough plant loves full sun and well-drained soil, shrugging off heat, drought, and poor conditions with ease.
Its oval, serrated leaves are rough and aromatic, releasing a pungent scent when brushed, while its woody stems can get prickly. After flowering, it produces small, dark purple berries, eaten by birds but toxic to humans and pets. Unlike the invasive Lantana camara, it’s a regional native, though it can spread aggressively in ideal settings, making it a bold choice for xeriscapes or wild gardens.
Texas Lantana shines as a low-maintenance accent, border, or mass planting, needing only occasional pruning to control its sprawl. Deer avoid its strong odor, and its vivid blooms brighten arid landscapes, though it’s less cold-hardy than some lantanas. This fiery native blends beauty with resilience in tough climates.
Cultivars of Lantana urticoides
- ‘Texas Flame’: Boasts intense orange-red blooms with a compact, mounding habit.
- ‘Sunset Glow’: Features a gradient of yellow to deep red flowers, slightly smaller stature.
- ‘Calico Cat’: Displays a mix of yellow, orange, and pinkish-red blooms, emphasizing its calico name.
Desert lantana (Lantana achyranthifolia)
Desert Lantana (Lantana achyranthifolia), a native of Mexico and Central America, thrives in arid regions from Texas to Costa Rica. This compact shrub grows 2-4 feet tall and wide in zones 9-11, producing clusters of small, tubular flowers—typically lavender to purple—blooming spring through fall, drawing butterflies and bees. It’s built for full sun and rocky, well-drained soils, excelling in drought and heat where others wilt.
Its oval to heart-shaped leaves are dark green, slightly hairy, and aromatic when crushed, paired with slender, square stems that give it a tidy look. After flowering, it yields tiny, dark purple berries that birds enjoy, though they’re toxic to humans and pets. Less showy than some lantanas, it’s a subtle, wildlife-friendly choice for desert gardens or rockeries.
Desert Lantana is low-maintenance, needing minimal water once established and resisting deer and pests with its strong scent. It’s perfect for xeriscaping, borders, or containers, though it’s not as cold-hardy as northern species. This understated native brings quiet beauty and resilience to harsh landscapes.
Cultivars of Lantana achyranthifolia
- ‘Purple Haze’: Features deeper purple blooms with a slightly more upright growth habit.
- ‘Desert Mist’: Offers pale lavender flowers and a denser, bushier form.
- ‘Lilac Glow’: Displays soft lilac blooms with a hint of pink, enhancing its delicate appeal.
Creeping lantana (Lantana amoena)
Creeping Lantana (Lantana amoena), native to Mexico and Central America, is a low-growing perennial shrub that spreads 1-2 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide in zones 9-11. Its clusters of small, tubular flowers—typically pink to lavender—bloom nearly year-round in frost-free climates, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Thriving in full sun with well-drained soil, it’s a drought-tolerant ground cover perfect for hot, dry regions.
The plant features small, oval, dark green leaves with a slightly rough texture and a mild fragrance when brushed. It produces tiny, dark purple berries after flowering, enjoyed by birds but toxic to humans and pets. Less invasive than Lantana camara, it’s a manageable native for slopes, rock gardens, or cascading over walls.
Creeping Lantana requires little care—minimal watering and occasional trimming keep it tidy. Its sprawling habit and heat resistance make it ideal for xeriscaping or coastal plantings, though it’s sensitive to frost. This subtle beauty adds color and coverage with minimal fuss.
Cultivars of Lantana amoena
- ‘Pink Creep’: Offers brighter pink flowers with a more vigorous spreading habit.
- ‘Lavender Lace’: Features soft lavender blooms and a denser, mat-like growth.
- ‘Dainty Rose’: Displays delicate rosy-pink flowers with slightly smaller leaves.
Brushland Shrubverbena (Lantana achyranthifolia)
Brushland Shrubverbena (Lantana achyranthifolia), often synonymous with desert lantana, is a native of Mexico, Central America, and parts of Texas, flourishing in arid brushlands and rocky terrains. This compact shrub grows 2-4 feet tall and wide in zones 9-11, bearing clusters of small, tubular flowers—typically lavender to purple—blooming from spring to fall, attracting butterflies and bees. It’s a tough survivor, thriving in full sun with poor, well-drained soils.
Its dark green, oval to heart-shaped leaves are slightly hairy and aromatic, complementing slender, square stems that maintain a neat structure. After flowering, it produces small, dark purple berries, a treat for birds but toxic to humans and pets. This understated plant excels in low-water landscapes, blending seamlessly into its native scrub habitats.
Brushland Shrubverbena is low-maintenance, resisting drought, deer, and pests with its strong scent, making it perfect for xeriscaping, borders, or wildlife gardens. It’s less cold-tolerant than some lantanas, but its resilience shines in hot, dry conditions. This subtle native offers quiet charm and ecological value.
Cultivars of Lantana achyranthifolia
- ‘Purple Haze’: Boasts richer purple flowers with a slightly taller, upright form.
- ‘Desert Mist’: Features pale lavender blooms and a bushier, denser growth habit.
- ‘Lilac Glow’: Shows soft lilac flowers with faint pink hints, enhancing its delicate look.
- ‘Silver Bloom’: Offers silvery-purple flowers with a more compact, mounding shape.
- ‘Dusty Rose’: Displays muted rose-purple blooms, adding a warmer tone to the palette.
- ‘Twilight Shade’: Features deep violet flowers with a subtle sheen, suited for evening appeal.