Lantana (Shrub Verbena)

Lantana (Shrub Verbena)

Lantana is a genus of more than 150 species of flowering plants in the family Verbenaceae, native to tropical areas of South Africa and America.
The plant grows as an evergreen or deciduous shrub and blooms in beautiful and vibrant colors all season long, changing the intensity of colors as the flower matures. Lantana produces many individual tubular-shaped flowers in clusters, with four petals each. These bright, sun-loving plants are great in beds, borders, containers or as ground cover, where they will attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Name meaning

The genus name “lantana” comes from the Latin name of a species plant Viburnum lantana, a wayfaring tree which it resembles superficially.

Lantana symbolism

Lantana is a symbol of severity and rigour.

Interesting facts about Lantana

Is Lantana Invasive?

These plants are invasive so don’t allow anything else to grow in the same environment. They spread quickly and take over other plants in the area. This also leads to the migration or decline in the number of animals. Blooming all season long, each plant is able to produce up to 12,000 seeds in a year.

Is Lantana Poisonous?

The leaves are poisonous to most animals, so keep your pets away from these.

Lantana Plant Data

Plant Type:

Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs

Color:

Lantana comes in a rainbow of colors including red, orange, pink, lavender, yellow, white or a mixture of these and will often display different colors in the center and on the edges.

Hardiness Zones:

8-11

Blooms in:

Spring, Autumn, Summer

Height:

The species range in size from 25 cm to 1,2 metres (10 inches to 4 ft) tall.

Soil needs:

Lantana prefers moist, but well drained soil, with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

Sun needs:

Full sun

Water needs:

avarage

Maintenance:

low

Related flowers
Verbena

Verbena (Vervain)