Lantana Variants

Lantana, belonging to the genus Lantana (in the Verbena family), is a diverse and exceptionally popular group of perennial plants, widely cherished for their vibrant, multi-colored blooms and tough, drought-tolerant nature. While various species exist, the most commonly cultivated ornamental forms are derived from Lantana camara and Lantana montevidensis. Lantanas are primarily native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America. They thrive in hot, sunny conditions and are incredibly adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soils, including poor or rocky ground. In Phoenix, Arizona, Lantana variants are indispensable landscape plants, performing exceptionally well in the intense heat and sun. As perennials in zones 9-11, they can easily persist for 10-20 years or more, forming dense, colorful additions to the landscape. In colder climates, they are often grown as annuals.

The most distinctive characteristic of all Lantanas is their profuse and continuous bloom of small, tubular flowers arranged in dense, rounded clusters that resemble miniature bouquets. These clusters often display multiple colors simultaneously, or change color as the flowers mature, adding dynamic interest. Flowers come in an astonishing array of colors including yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, and white, often in solid hues or brilliant combinations. The blooms are intensely attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, bringing constant activity and life to the garden. The leaves are typically small, ovate, and slightly rough or textured, emitting a characteristic spicy or citrusy scent when crushed.

Lantana variants can generally be categorized by their growth habit:

Mounding/Bushy Lantana (e.g., ‘Gold Mound’, ‘Bandana’ series, ‘Lucky’ series)

  • Latin Names: Lantana camara cultivars (e.g., ‘Gold Mound’, ‘New Gold’, ‘Patriot Rainbow’, ‘Bandana Red’, ‘Lucky Red’)
  • Lifespan: Perennial in warm climates (Zone 9-11), lasting 10-20+ years; grown as annuals in colder regions.
  • Native Climate/Landscape: Cultivars selected from species native to tropical and subtropical Americas, thriving in hot, sunny, and dry conditions. Excellently suited to the Phoenix, Arizona, climate.
  • Characteristics: These varieties form compact, dense, and rounded mounds, typically reaching 1-3 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide. They are ideal for borders, mass plantings, containers, and foundation plantings. They offer a continuous display of flowers in various colors like solid yellow, multi-colored red/orange/yellow, or pink/cream. Many popular cultivars are sterile or produce very few viable seeds, which reduces the potential for invasiveness and eliminates messy berry drop.

Trailing/Spreading Lantana (e.g., Trailing Lavender, ‘New Gold’)

  • Latin Name: Lantana montevidensis (Trailing Lantana) and Lantana camara cultivars with spreading habits (e.g., ‘New Gold’, ‘White Trailing’)
  • Lifespan: Perennial in warm climates (Zone 8-11 for L. montevidensis, 9-11 for L. camara cultivars), lasting 10-20+ years.
  • Native Climate/Landscape: L. montevidensis is native to South America (e.g., Uruguay); L. camara cultivars share the species’ tropical American origins. Both thrive in full sun and hot, dry conditions. Excellent for Phoenix, Arizona, landscapes.
  • Characteristics: These varieties have a low-growing, sprawling, and often weeping habit, spreading widely (up to 3-6 feet) while staying relatively low (6-18 inches tall). They are perfect for groundcover, spilling over walls, slopes, or out of hanging baskets and containers. Flowers are often purple, lavender, white, or solid yellow and bloom profusely. They are highly effective for economically filling in larger areas with vibrant color.

Larger Shrub Lantana (e.g., ‘Miss Huff’)

  • Latin Name: Lantana camara cultivars (e.g., ‘Miss Huff’, larger Patriot series)
  • Lifespan: A more robust perennial shrub, especially hardy, living many decades in appropriate zones (7-11).
  • Native Climate/Landscape: Selected for hardiness, drawing from Lantana camara‘s extensive native range in tropical and subtropical Americas. ‘Miss Huff’ is particularly noted for its cold hardiness. Thrives in full sun and hot conditions, well-suited for Phoenix, Arizona, and even somewhat cooler climates where it may die back but reliably return.
  • Characteristics: These varieties grow into larger, bushier shrubs, often reaching 4-6 feet tall and wide, forming substantial mounds. They are known for their vigorous growth and can serve as informal hedges or background plants. ‘Miss Huff’ is especially popular for its hardiness and multicolored flowers (orange, yellow, pink, red) that constantly shift. While they can produce berries, many larger cultivars are also sterile.

All Lantana variants share a remarkable drought tolerance once established, making them ideal for xeriscaping. They are relatively low maintenance, benefiting from occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage continuous blooming. Their incredible range of colors and forms, combined with their resilience, makes them an indispensable choice for gardeners seeking vibrant, long-lasting color in hot climates. Sources