Lantana (Lantana camara) is a popular flowering plant known for its vibrant clusters of colorful flowers and ability to attract pollinators. Native to Central and South America, lantana has become a favorite among gardeners for its versatility, long blooming season, and relative ease of care . This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to successfully grow and enjoy lantana in your garden.

Description and Details Lantana is a member of the verbena family (Verbenaceae) and encompasses over 150 species . The most common species in cultivation is Lantana camara, which is often simply referred to as "lantana" or "shrub verbena" . Lantana typically grows as an evergreen shrub, reaching heights of 3 to 6 feet with a spread of 1 to 3 feet . However, there are also dwarf and trailing varieties available .

Lantana Species In addition to the commonly cultivated Lantana camara, there are several other notable Lantana species:

• Common Lantana (Lantana camara): This is the most widely cultivated variety, known for its shrubby growth habit and vibrant flower colors.
• Trailing Lantana (Lantana montevidensis): This species has a low-growing, spreading habit, making it ideal for hanging baskets and groundcovers. It typically produces lavender, purple, or white flowers.
• Buttonsage (Lantana involucrata): Native to the U.S., this small shrub has a sage-like fragrance when its leaves are crushed.
• Popcorn Lantana (Lantana trifolia): This variety is grown for both its flowers and its ornamental fruit, which resemble popcorn or blackberries.
• Texas Lantana (Lantana urticoides): A favorite of butterflies and birds, this lantana is a good choice for butterfly gardens.
• Desert Lantana (Lantana achyranthifolia): This aromatic shrub is sometimes called Mexican Majoram due to its fragrance.

Physical Characteristics Lantana is characterized by its vibrant flowers, fragrant foliage, and sometimes prickly stems.

• Flowers: Lantana's flowers are small and tubular, clustered in dense, rounded heads called umbels . These eye-catching clusters bloom in a wide array of colors, including white, yellow, orange, red, and purple, often with multiple colors within the same cluster . Imagine a kaleidoscope of colors adorning your garden, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds with their sweet nectar. Interestingly, the flowers often change color as they mature, adding another layer of visual interest to this already captivating plant .
• Foliage: The ovate, toothed leaves of the lantana provide a lush backdrop for the vibrant flower clusters . Their dark green color and rough, wrinkled texture add a tactile element to the plant's overall appeal. When brushed or crushed, the leaves release a pungent, somewhat citrusy aroma that adds another dimension to the sensory experience of this remarkable plant .
• Stems: Lantana stems are typically square-shaped and can be prickly in some varieties . This characteristic adds an interesting architectural element to the plant's structure.
• Root System: Lantana has a short taproot and a mat of many shallow side roots . This root system allows the plant to efficiently absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
• Growth Habit Lantana is a fast-growing plant that can become quite large and bushy in warmer climates . It has a sprawling habit, meaning it tends to spread outward rather than growing strictly upright . Some varieties are more compact and mounding, while others have a trailing or weeping growth habit . This variety in growth habits makes lantana a versatile plant that can be used in various landscaping applications.

Native Habitat Lantana is native to the tropical regions of the Americas, including Central and South America and the Caribbean . It thrives in open to partly shaded areas with moist soil . Lantana has become naturalized in many parts of the world, including the southern United States, Africa, Asia, and Australia .

Ecological Impact While lantana is a beautiful and beneficial plant in many ways, it is important to be aware of its potential to become invasive. Lantana easily invades disturbed ecosystems and often forms dense thickets, crowding out native plants and reducing biodiversity . It can quickly dominate the understory in forests and suppress the growth of native species, turning forest communities into shrub-lands . This aggressive growth habit can be problematic in some regions, so it is important to choose appropriate varieties and manage their growth to prevent unwanted spread.

Preferred Climate and Soil Conditions Lantana prefers:

• Climate: Warm, tropical, or subtropical climates with temperatures above 55°F . It is not frost-tolerant .
• Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6 hours per day) . It can tolerate some shade, but flowering will be reduced .
• Soil: Well-draining soil that is neutral, slightly acidic, or slightly alkaline . It tolerates a wide range of soil types, including sandy and rocky soils .

Landscaping Design Tips Lantana's versatility and vibrant colors make it a valuable addition to various garden styles. Here are some design tips for incorporating lantana into your landscape:

• Mass Plantings: Create a bold statement by planting lantana in groups. This is especially effective with varieties that have different flower colors.
• Borders and Edges: Use lantana to define borders, edge pathways, or soften the edges of walls and fences.
• Groundcover: Trailing varieties of lantana can be used as a colorful groundcover, especially on slopes or in areas where you want to suppress weeds.
• Containers and Hanging Baskets: Lantana thrives in containers and hanging baskets, adding a touch of the tropics to patios, decks, and balconies.
• Focal Point: Use a larger, more upright variety of lantana as a focal point in a bed or container.
• Wildlife Gardens: Lantana is a magnet for pollinators, making it an excellent choice for butterfly gardens, hummingbird gardens, and other wildlife-friendly landscapes.
• Coastal Gardens: Lantana can tolerate salt spray, making it a suitable choice for gardens near the coast.
• Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Lantana's pungent foliage deters deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens where these animals are a problem.
• Companion Plants: Combine lantana with other sun-loving, heat-tolerant plants such as pentas, salvia, angelonia, and verbena .

Lantana Cultivars In addition to the various Lantana species, there are also many cultivars available, offering a wide range of colors, growth habits, and other characteristics. Some notable cultivars include:

• 'Bloomify™ Red', 'Bloomify™ Rose', and 'Luscious® Royale Red Zone™': These sterile varieties were developed by the University of Florida and are known for their full, mounding growth habits and large, bright flower clusters.
• 'Dallas Red': This cultivar is a popular choice for its vibrant red flowers and ability to attract butterflies.
• 'Silver Mound': This variety produces creamy white flowers with a yellow center and is resistant to early fruiting.
• 'Weeping Lantana': This cultivar has a trailing growth habit and produces purple and lavender flowers.

Planting and Care

Planting

• Timing: Plant lantana in the spring after the last frost .
• Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil .
• Spacing: Space plants 1 to 6 feet apart, depending on the variety and its mature size .

Care

• Watering: Water regularly until established, then reduce watering frequency . Lantana is drought-tolerant once established, but it will flower more profusely with regular watering .
• Fertilizing: Fertilize sparingly. One application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring is usually sufficient . Over-fertilizing can reduce flowering .
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds .
• Pruning: Prune in early spring to remove dead or diseased branches and to shape the plant . Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms .

Water-Wise Gardening: Lantana's drought tolerance makes it a good choice for water-wise gardening, especially in regions with limited water resources or during periods of drought . Its ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions makes it a valuable asset for sustainable and environmentally conscious gardening practices.

Propagation Lantana can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation and stem cuttings.

Seed Propagation:

• Collection: Collect seeds from mature lantana berries in the fall.
• Storage: Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you are ready to sow them.
• Germination: Sow the seeds in a seed-starting mix and keep them moist. Germination may take several weeks.

Stem Cuttings:

• Taking Cuttings: Take 4-inch cuttings from new growth in the spring or summer.
• Rooting Hormone: Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to encourage root development.
• Planting: Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist.

Important Considerations While lantana is a beautiful and versatile plant, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:

• Toxicity: Lantana berries are toxic if ingested, so keep them away from children and pets . The leaves and unripe fruit can also be poisonous .
• Invasiveness: Lantana can be invasive in warmer climates, so consider planting sterile varieties to prevent unwanted spread . Be mindful of its potential to displace native vegetation and choose appropriate varieties for your region.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Lantana Lantana offers a variety of benefits for gardeners, but it also has a few drawbacks to consider.

Benefits:

• Attracts Pollinators: Lantana is a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds, adding life and movement to your garden.
• Long Blooming Season: Lantana blooms for months on end, providing continuous color throughout the growing season.
• Drought Tolerance: Lantana can withstand periods of drought, making it a water-wise choice for gardens.
• Versatility: Lantana can be used in various landscaping applications, from groundcovers to hanging baskets.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, lantana requires minimal care.

Drawbacks:

• Toxicity: The berries, leaves, and unripe fruit of lantana can be toxic to humans and animals.
• Invasiveness: Lantana can become invasive in warmer climates, displacing native vegetation.

Lantana is a rewarding plant for gardeners of all levels. Its vibrant and color-changing flowers, long blooming season, and adaptability make it a versatile and valuable addition to any garden. Lantana is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in hot, sunny conditions and can tolerate drought, making it a great choice for water-wise gardening and sustainable landscaping. While it is important to be aware of its potential toxicity and invasiveness, by choosing appropriate varieties and following the planting and care tips outlined in this guide, you can enjoy the beauty and pollinator-attracting power of lantana for years to come. Whether you are creating a butterfly garden, adding a splash of color to your patio, or seeking a low-maintenance groundcover, lantana is sure to bring life and vibrancy to your outdoor space.