The two types of lantana commonly grown in cultivated landscapes are trailing lantana (Lantana montevidensis) and shrub lantana (L. camara). Trailing lantana grows 18 to 24 inches tall with a spread of up to 4 feet. Shrub lantana grows up to 4 feet tall with a spread of 1 to 3 feet.
Lantana camara is a species of flowering plant in the verbena family, native to the American tropics. It is a very adaptable species, which can inhabit a wide variety of ecosystems; once it has been introduced into a habitat it spreads rapidly; between 45ºN and 45ºS and less than 1,400 metres in altitude.
It has spread from its native range to around 50 countries, where it has become an invasive species. It first spread out of the Americas when it was brought to Europe by Dutch explorers and cultivated widely, soon spreading further into Asia and Oceania where it has established itself as a notorious weed, and in Goa Former Estado da Índia Portuguesa it was introduced by the Portuguese.
Lantana camara, commonly called simply lantana, begins flowering in midsummer and continues to bloom through late fall. The plants produce multicolored clusters of flowers in shades of white, pink, yellow, red and purple on bushy evergreen growth. Lantana grows as a perennial evergreen in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11, and survives in zone 9, although the plant may die back to the roots each winter. It also grows well as an annual in cooler climates.
Lantana makes a colorful addition to butterfly gardens where the blooms attract the brightly colored insects. Grow lantana in an area that receives six to eight hours of sun daily. Plant it in well-drained soil amended with 2 inches of compost, or grow in a planter in a full-sun location.
Lantana leaves are highly toxic to pets and livestock, according to the American Society to the Prevent of Cruelty to Animals. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, labored breathing and liver failure. However, deer and other wildlife generally avoid the plants due to the pungent, unpleasant smell.
The natural population spreads rapidly and is considered invasive in Hawaii and Florida, while the hundreds of various colored hybrids and cultivars are often sterile and non-invasive. If a lantana plant is successfully propagated, the plant produces clusters of green fruit that turn bluish-black as it ripens. Although the berries should be avoided at any stage, the unripe, green berries are most dangerous.
Characteristics
- Size: Lantana camara typically grows to about 1-2 meters (3-6 feet) in height, though it can reach larger sizes in ideal conditions.
- Leaves: The leaves are ovate, rough-textured, and aromatic when crushed, emitting a distinct, sometimes pungent smell.
- Flowers: Its small, tubular flowers grow in dense clusters. Flower colors range from yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple, often with multiple colors in a single cluster.
- Fruits: The plant produces small, green to black berries. These are toxic when unripe but consumed by birds when mature.
- Growth Habit: Perennial shrub, grows up to 1–2 meters tall.
- Invasiveness: Lantana camara is considered an invasive species in many regions. It forms dense thickets that outcompete native vegetation and disrupt ecosystems.
- Habitat: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. Grows in a wide range of soils, including poor, sandy, or rocky soils. Highly drought-tolerant and thrives in areas with full sun.
- Attracts pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and birds.
Varieties
There are five major flower colour varieties:
- Pink – Bud: pink; Middle ring: yellow opening with pale yellow petals; Outer ring: orange opening with pale or dark pink petals
- White – Bud: cream coloured; Middle ring: yellow opening with light yellow petals; Outer ring: orange or yellow opening with lilac petals
- Pink-edged Red – Bud: pink to reddish pink; Middle ring: orange opening with light yellow to orange petals; Outer ring: orange opening having two pink to red petals
- Red – Bud: blood red; Middle ring: yellow opening with yellow petals; Outer ring: red throat having red petals
- Orange – Bud: orange; Middle ring: yellow to orange opening, yellow petals; Outer ring: orange opening with orange petals
Cultivation
- Climate: Prefers warm climates with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F-86°F). Can tolerate mild frost but may suffer damage in prolonged cold.
- Soil: Grows well in well-draining soil. Adapts to various pH levels but prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions (pH 6-7).
- Sunlight: Requires full sunlight for optimal flowering. Can tolerate partial shade but with reduced flowering.
- Watering: Water moderately during the growing season (spring and summer). Once established, it becomes drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
- Propagation: Propagation through seeds is common but slow due to dormancy. Stem cuttings are the preferred method for quicker results.
- Pruning: Regular pruning helps control its size and encourages bushier growth. Remove dead flowers and overgrown branches to maintain appearance and vigor.
- Pests & Diseases: Generally pest-resistant, but it may attract spider mites or whiteflies in dry conditions. Root rot can occur in waterlogged soils.
Uses
Ornamental
- Widely planted in gardens for its colorful flowers and ability to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Hedges and Ground Cover
- Its dense growth makes it suitable for hedges or erosion control on slopes.
Ecological Impact
- Provides habitat and food for wildlife but can be problematic in invasive regions.