11 Gorgeous Lantana Varieties to Brighten Up Your Backyard

Lantanas can lend any garden a splash of color. Moreover, those floral beauties will certainly astonish all the guests at your next summer parties. If you are looking to nurture them, take a gander at different lantana varieties below.

Table of Contents

Furthermore, lantana flowers are really easy to care for. They tolerate poor soils and do well in dry environments.

In addition, the plants are not only fragrant but also can resist many garden diseases as well as pests.

The lantana plants are the heaven of pollinators. They draw butterflies, bees, as well as hummingbirds.

Additionally, their showy flowers change color as they age, sprucing up your garden in every possible way.

In this article, you will discover various kinds of lantana plants by size as well as species.

Our gallery includes detailed descriptions and stunning photo examples. So, read on for some spectacular lantanas to grow this spring.

Introduction to Lantana Flowers

https://www.nature-and-garden.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2018/10/lantana.jpg

Lantanas belong to the Verbenaceae family. Furthermore, they are a genus of more than 150 lantana plant species. There are so many varieties due to massive hybridization between the various types.

Moreover, lantana flowers are perennial that can reach an optimum height of 6 feet. They include shrubs and herbaceous plants.

The lantana flowers are native to African and American tropics. In addition, they are hardy plants that can grow vigorously in different conditions.

Lantanas produce lively blooms throughout the year in hot regions. However, in colder climates, people treat lantana flowers as annuals.

They usually grow these plants in containers and overwinter them during the cold season.

Verbena vs. Lantana

https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/contentlab.studiod/getty/5ad97246113e4b54a32cf74e778b93dd.jpg

Beginner gardeners usually mistake verbena for lantana. If you are one of them and planning on growing lantanas, it’s crucial to distinguish those plants from verbenas before proceeding.

Verbena and lantana are the members of the Verbenaceae family. Those two multicolored flowering plants look very similar. Even passionate gardeners can face difficulties when they set them apart.

Both verbena and lantana bear equally impressive flowers. However, they have different growth habits, hardiness levels, and maintenance requirements.

Moreover, verbena and lantana are so versatile. People use those plants for multiple purposes such as ornamentals, ground cover, and borders.

Before growing one, inform yourself of lantana varieties first. That way, you can take care of yours appropriately.

Popcorn Lantana

https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/Lantana_trifolia_lea_3l9J7oGtvssb.jpg

Unlike other lantana varieties, this one bears colorful, quirky, and ornamental fruits. Moreover, the bright plump berries look tightly packed. People appreciate them more than their striking flowers.

Furthermore, this lantana variety can reach a height of 3 feet tall. The plant normally produces fruit clusters after the blooming season.

There are two varieties of popcorn lantana: Lavender Popcorn and Fruity Pebbles. The former has vibrant pink as well as elongated purple berries.

Meanwhile, the latter features small, bright pink juicy fruits that look like dangling grapes.

Lantana trifolia hails from South and Central America. This plant thrives well in both sub-tropical and tropical climates too.

The popcorn lantana varieties prefer average moisture. However, they will tolerate drought and poor quality soil.

Moreover, the lance-shaped, deep green foliage of this plant appears in groups of three. That’s why it is also called 3-leaved lantana.

Lantana Pastazensis

https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ETF2AChYsms/WXoPBqSVyuI/AAAAAAAA8yA/uHNSYzwtVb4ynC8_qfGsb1NwLWLnWUA3ACLcBGAs/s1600/1707160027.jpg

Dedicated and skilled gardeners are the only people who know Lantana pastazensis because the plant is endemic to Ecuador. Furthermore, this flowering verbena species is restricted to tropical Ecuadorian forests.

Moreover, Lantana pastazensis thrives best in very humid conditions. This plant is an endangered species as well.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it has a vulnerable conservation status.

Many people do not know about this kind of lantanas because of its rare status. Unlike other lantana varieties, it only grows in its natural habitat. You can find the plant in the flat land moist tropical Ecuadorian forests.

You probably want to know Lantana pastazensis better. However, we suggest not growing this beautiful flowering shrub.

People greatly limit the use of this lantana variety in their home gardens due to the right reasons. The plant has pentacyclic terpenoids. It is poisonous to humans.

Pot of Gold Lantana

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b2/4d/aa/b24daa169453507fb3f2c35f7e41eadb.jpg

If you are searching for types of yellow lantana, give this variety a chance. It is one of the Lantana Camara family members.

As their name implies, these lantana varieties bear vibrant and gold yellow flowers from spring to fall. They are perfect for small gardens and outdoor containers.

Moreover, these lantanas can grow up to 15 inches tall, with a similar spread.

They are distinct from other lantana varieties that have multicolored florets that together create single flower head.

If you grow Pot of Gold Lantana in masses, space individual plants about 10 inches (25 centimeters) apart.

Additionally, its foliage remains green all year round. However, the fruits are ornamentally not important.

These lantana varieties boast medium texture. That’s why they blend well into any garden. However, we recommend using coarser or finer plants to balance them out for a great composition.

Pot of Gold Lantana is a low-maintenance flowering plant. Moreover, it does not need much pruning.

This variety can bring butterflies into your yard too. Deer normally leave these lantanas alone to the advantage of yummier treats.

Furthermore, these lantana varieties help you capture the atmosphere of summer. They will also adorn your garden with their captivating blooms

The plump, luminous yellow blooms contrast vibrantly against the green-leaf plants. Without a doubt, they’ll stand out in the garden like the summer sun in a very clear sky.

Moreover, Pot of Gold lantanas looks enchanting alongside other lantana varieties. You should grow them in pots and small baskets.

Common Lantana (Lantana Camara)

https://www.florafinder.org/LargePhotos/DD/Lantana_camara_cv-6203B2301D.jpg

There are different types of lantana flowers and this is one of them. It is originally from tropical American regions.

Also known as shrub lantana, it can reach an optimum height of 6 feet. However, you cannot find the true species easily in most local nurseries due to heavy hybridization.

Sometimes, people use the term common lantana for other kinds of lantanas that grow well in bushes. Additionally, this tender perennial shrub has a small upright growth habit.

Lantana camara grows rapidly. This can be both a bad and a good thing. It can reach the height of over 5 feet within just one season.

However, you have to trim the plant regularly. Otherwise, yours doesn’t look proper.

If you opt to grow these lantana varieties on farmland, bear in mind that they will require dramatic pruning.

Don’t leave them unchecked, so the plants won’t harm livestock because of their toxicity and invade your agricultural areas.

Moreover, do not forget to get rid of any old stems from your Lantana camara. That way, it won’t turn into an unappealing woody shrub.

These lantana varieties thrive in hot, dry conditions. In cooler regions, they will serve as annuals. Furthermore, the plants are hardy in USDA growing zones 9 through 10.

Even though Lantana camara needs greater attention and maintenance than other species, it is seriously worth growing.

The plant produces stunning, flamboyant blooms that have different vivid colors like orange, red, coral pink, and yellow.

Common lantana flowers appear neatly in clusters on the stem ends. They set wonderfully against the plant’s lush green foliage. Those blooms will certainly draw your guests’ eyes from afar.

Bandana Pink Lantana

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e7/38/a7/e738a7f6c7b6ff846981a21f9d468212.jpg

If you are the one who believes that everything looks gorgeous in pink, try growing this type of lantana. Undoubtedly, it is beyond pretty.

This flowering shrub is not only showy but also drought and heat tolerant. Moreover, it bears stout and short clusters of bright pink as well as yellow blooms.

Bandana Pink Lantana blooms from the beginning of spring through the first frost. You do not need to deadhead this plant too.

The flowers of this lantana variety turn rich pink. That’s the reason it will make a nice complement to any garden. Furthermore, the plant is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.

These lantana varieties have a tidy, mounded growth habit. They also work well in mass plantings, borders, rock gardens, and containers. If you live in a frost-free area, grow Bandana Pink Lantana as an evergreen.

Furthermore, the Bandana Pink Lantana can grow up to 26″ tall and 24″ wide.

You must give this plant approximately 6 hours of daylight too. It is not only tolerant of urban pollution but also fast-growing.

These lantana varieties are ideal for different garden styles such as tropical, Mediterranean, cottage, and rustic.

They pair perfectly with other plants like cordyline, princess flower, jatropha, and hibiscus.

Lantana Motevidensis (Trailing Lantana)

https://plantslive.in/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/lantana-montevidensis-scaled.jpg

As the name suggests, this resilient lantana variety has a trailing growth habit. It is also a low-growing flowering shrub.

The plant can reach a maximum width of 3 meters (10 feet) and an optimum height of 45.7 centimeters (18 inches).

Moreover, these lantana varieties originate from South America. They are perfect for use in hanging baskets, as climbing vine, or as ground cover.

Trailing lantana blooms throughout the year in warm climates. Additionally, it produces small neat flower clusters from April to October in cooler regions. Moreover, flowers emerge at the stem ends.

Unlike common lantanas, these lantana varieties only boast lilac flower heads that feature white or dark yellow centers. They are tolerant of salty soils too.

If you see the one with blooms in other hues, then it’s surely a hybrid species between yellow common lantana and Lantana motevidensis. Moreover, trailing lantanas feature deep green aromatic leaves.

The trailing lantana thrives in a very hot condition and tolerates drought. Additionally, it is adaptable to the partial shade position. However, if you want to get more flowers, we recommend growing this plant in full sun.

Furthermore, if you grow these trailing lantana varieties with a trellis, they act as a climbing vine.

Meanwhile, the ones without support will pose as a lovely ground cover. The plants look fabulous in wall-hung boxes too.

Do you have a stone wall or some rocks in the garden? If yes, jazz up your outdoor space with this type of lantana for an impressive look.

Bandana Cherry Lantana

https://www.provenwinners.com/sites/provenwinners.com/files/imagecache/low-resolution/ifa_upload/096652_0.jpg

This lantana variety features appealing blooms. They come in a vivacious color that reminds you of a cherry.

Furthermore, Bandana Cherry Lantana produces clusters of flowers from June to August. They first appear in an impressive dark magenta-red and turn lemony yellow and apricot.

The bright round flower head of this lantana variety measures 2 inches (5 centimeters) across.

These plants do not only tolerate drought as well as heat but also offer scented leaves. Bear in mind that their foliage is harmful to pets.

Moreover, the older plant extent for around 16 inches high, with an identical spread. Bandana Cherry Lantana also has a mounded growth habit. It can attract both hummingbirds and butterflies too.

This lantana variety likes moist soil. It survives winter in USDA growing zones 9 through 11. Furthermore, the plant looks excellent in big glass containers or large beds around your patio.

Wild Lantana Varieties

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d7/5b/3e/d75b3e12470f9f4e9456ccbb5511c7dd.jpg

Lantana horrida (wild lantana) has an intense pungent smell. It can affect people especially those who are truly sensitive to strong scents.

These lantana varieties are popular in Mexico, the West Indies, and South America. Mountainous areas, savannas, shrublands, grasslands, and forests are some of their natural environments.

This kind of lantana thrives best in hot regions. People see the plant as a perennial.

It provides pretty flowers throughout the year. In cooler climates, this flowering shrub declines over colder months.

Wild lantana survives winter in USDA zones 8 through 11. Besides average water requirements, this plant likes full sun as well as well-drained soil.

People in Texas normally sell Lantana horrida as summer bedding. In addition, the plant can reach an optimum height of 1 foot.

It also produces bright blooms of purple, orange, red, white, and yellow colors.

The Lantana horrida flowers bloom in striking clusters. They attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees to your garden as well.

When pollinators pollinate the flowers of Lantana horrida, there will be juicy, plump, blue-black berries in the pre-blooming season. However, people believe that they are toxic.

Pink Dawn Lantana

https://www.parkswholesaleplants.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/lantana-pink-dawn.jpg

If you are not into magenta, then consider nurturing Pink Dawn Lantana. It boasts a soft pink color in its flowers.

These lantana varieties feature trumpet-shaped blooms. Moreover, they start pale yellow. As the plant’s ages, the flowers turn pastel pink. The color itself screams beauty and simple elegance.

Furthermore, Pink Dawn Lantana needs little maintenance. The plant loves soaking up the heat as well. It also looks excellent both on the terrace and in the backyard.

The Pink Dawn Lantana can reach an optimum height of 20 inches high. If you’re planning on growing this variety, don’t forget to space your lantanas 15″-20″ apart.

Generally, people use these lantana varieties in landscapes, garden beds, xeriscapes, and containers.

If the plant grows overly large for your outdoor area, then prune as needed.

Pink Dawn Lantana is not only easy to care for but also tolerant of drought. In addition, it truly likes full sun.

Lantana Involucrata

https://www.richardlyonsnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Lantana-involucrata-Buttonsage.jpg

Also called buttonsage, this type of lantana displays pristine white blooms. Furthermore, their florets boast golden yellow-colored centers.

The Lantana involucrata originates from American tropics like South Florida. Moreover, this plant typically grows well in pine rocklands and coastal regions. It also matures to an optimum height of 8 feet.

You can grow these lantana varieties by yourself using seeds. Another great option is to purchase well-grown lantanas from certain local nurseries.

The buttonsage lantana does well in rich, dry soil. It loves full sun too. In addition, the plant grows as a perennial in warmer regions and blooms throughout the year.

Lantana involucrata is ideal for ornamental uses because it has lively and very fragrant flowers. If you crush its green leaves, they’ll emit a sage-like scent.

Moreover, Lantana involucrata is versatile. It can act as a butterfly attractor or a hedge plant. Additionally, this flowering shrub doubles as a head-turner in any garden.

Lantana Varieties for Texas

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/30/4a/91/304a9158c24b50094b9587c72a860881.jpg

This plant has alternative names such as Texas Lantana, West Indian shrubverbena, or calico bush. It can grow about 3-5 feet tall.

Moreover, Lantana urticoides is originally from Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Gulf coast regions, Mississippi, and Arizona.

People usually mistake it for wild lantana because they both have same-colored flowers.

These lantana varieties for Arizona produces flowers from spring to the first frost. Unlike them, wild lantanas blossom in summer as well as fall.

At the beginning of April, Lantana urticoides showcases yellow, orange, and red, tubular-shaped flowers.

The foliage is also in pairs. Since the leaves appear in opposite directions, they make a nice green frame around vibrant blooms.

In addition, the delicate flowers of Texas Lantana exude style as well as elegance. But remember that it is popular for being a pet toxic plant.

If you have furry friends, we recommend growing other lantanas because the leaves are slightly poisonous.

Those lantana varieties are undoubtedly true charmers. Whether you are a dedicated gardener or not, consider planting them. We guarantee they will leave your guests in awe.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *