Lantana plants are vibrant shrubs or perennials known for their clustered blooms in shades of pink, orange, yellow, red, white, or purple, often changing color as they age. Native to tropical regions of the Americas and Africa, primarily Lantana camara and Lantana montevidensis, they are prized for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Their bright flowers and versatility make them popular in gardens and landscapes worldwide.
These plants thrive in full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil, tolerating heat, drought, and poor conditions. Grown as perennials in USDA zones 8–11 or annuals in colder climates, they suit containers, borders, hanging baskets, or groundcovers. Their adaptability ensures success in sunny, warm environments with minimal care.
Lantanas bloom prolifically from late spring to frost, or year-round in frost-free zones, with sterile hybrids reducing invasive spread. Their flowers support pollinators, but non-sterile varieties may produce toxic berries, posing risks to pets or children. Regular pruning promotes continuous blooming and controls growth.
Growth habits range from compact (under 1 foot) to sprawling (up to 6 feet wide), with trailing types ideal for cascading displays. Their deer-resistant foliage and ability to thrive in tough conditions enhance garden ecosystems. Some varieties are sterile, making them eco-friendly for landscaping.
Challenges include potential invasiveness in warm climates and toxicity concerns, requiring deadheading and monitoring. Their vibrant colors, pollinator appeal, and low-maintenance nature make lantanas a favorite for urban and rural gardens, adding dynamic beauty to sunny landscapes.
Trailing Lantana Varieties
Lavender Swirl
Lavender Swirl is a Lantana montevidensis hybrid (12–18 inches tall, 3–5 feet wide) with white to lavender flowers that occasionally show pink or yellow hues, creating a swirling effect. Originating from South America and bred for gardens, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming from spring to frost in USDA zones 8–11. Its trailing habit is perfect for hanging baskets, groundcovers, or rock gardens, and its drought tolerance suits low-maintenance landscapes. The soft lavender blooms attract pollinators.
Trailing Lavender
Trailing Lavender, a Lantana montevidensis cultivar (8–12 inches tall, 3–6 feet wide), features vibrant lavender-purple flower clusters. Native to South America, it blooms from spring to fall in zones 8–11, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Its low, spreading growth is ideal for groundcovers, slopes, or cascading over walls, and its heat and drought tolerance make it low-care. The vivid purple blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds, enhancing garden ecosystems.
Trailing White
Trailing White is a Lantana montevidensis variety (8–12 inches tall, 3–5 feet wide) with pure white flower clusters that bloom profusely from spring to frost. Originating from South America, it thrives in full sun, well-drained soil, and hot climates, suitable for zones 8–11. Its trailing, mat-forming habit suits hanging baskets, containers, or groundcovers. Drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly, its crisp white blooms add elegance to sunny gardens.
New Gold
New Gold is a Lantana camara x montevidensis hybrid (12–18 inches tall, 3–4 feet wide) with bright golden-yellow flower clusters. Developed in the United States, it blooms from late spring to frost in zones 8–11, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Its sterile flowers prevent invasiveness, making it ideal for groundcovers or hanging baskets. Heat- and drought-tolerant, its vibrant blooms attract butterflies, perfect for low-maintenance landscapes.
Lucky Flame
Lucky Flame is a Lantana camara hybrid (12–18 inches tall, 2–3 feet wide) with fiery orange-red flowers that trail gracefully. Bred in the United States, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming from summer to frost in zones 9–11. Its compact, trailing habit suits containers, hanging baskets, or border edges, and its heat tolerance and pollinator appeal make it a vibrant, easy-care choice for sunny gardens.
Bandolista Pineapple
Bandolista Pineapple is a Lantana camara hybrid (12–14 inches tall, 2–3 feet wide) with yellow and soft orange flowers, resembling pineapple hues, and a slightly trailing habit. Developed in the United States, it blooms from spring to frost in zones 9–11, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Its sterile blooms suit hanging baskets or groundcovers, and its drought tolerance attracts pollinators, making it ideal for colorful, low-care landscapes.
Luscious Grape
Luscious Grape is a Lantana montevidensis hybrid (8–10 inches tall, 3–5 feet wide) with deep purple flower clusters and a strong trailing habit. Originating from South America and bred for gardens, it blooms from spring to fall in zones 8–11, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Its spreading growth is perfect for groundcovers or cascading over walls, and its heat tolerance and butterfly-friendly blooms suit sunny, dry gardens.
Weeping Lavender
Weeping Lavender is a Lantana montevidensis cultivar (6–12 inches tall, 4–6 feet wide) with lavender-purple flowers and a low, weeping growth pattern. Native to South America, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming from spring to frost in zones 8–11. Its trailing habit is ideal for hanging baskets, rock gardens, or slopes, and its drought tolerance and pollinator appeal make it a low-maintenance, vibrant choice.
Lucky Sunrise Rose
Lucky Sunrise Rose is a Lantana camara hybrid (12–18 inches tall, 2–3 feet wide) with pink and yellow flowers that mature to rose-pink, offering a trailing effect. Bred in the United States, it blooms from summer to frost in zones 9–11, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Its compact, trailing form suits containers or border edges, and its heat tolerance and pollinator-friendly blooms ensure a colorful, easy-care garden.
Bandana Trailing Gold
Bandana Trailing Gold is a Lantana camara hybrid (12–18 inches tall, 3–4 feet wide) with bright yellow-gold flower clusters and a spreading, trailing habit. Developed in the United States, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming from spring to frost in zones 9–11. Its sterile blooms make it ideal for groundcovers or hanging baskets, and its drought tolerance and butterfly appeal suit sunny, low-maintenance landscapes.
Trailing Yellow
Trailing Yellow is a Lantana montevidensis cultivar (8–12 inches tall, 3–5 feet wide) with bright yellow flower clusters and a low, spreading habit. Native to South America, it blooms from spring to fall in zones 8–11, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Its trailing growth is perfect for groundcovers, rock gardens, or cascading over walls, and its heat and drought tolerance attract pollinators, making it a vibrant garden choice.
Luscious Citrus Blend
Luscious Citrus Blend is a Lantana camara hybrid (12–18 inches tall, 2–3 feet wide) with orange, yellow, and pink flower clusters, offering a trailing, mounding habit. Bred in the United States, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming from summer to frost in zones 9–11. Its versatile growth suits hanging baskets or border edges, and its drought tolerance and pollinator-friendly blooms make it a colorful, low-care option.