Trailing Lantana
Botanical name: Lantana Montevidensis
General information: Trailing lantana is an attractive trailing or spreading perennial with lavender, purple or white flowers. Attracts butterflies. Tolerates heat and drought tolerance and is cold hardy to Zone 8b.
Characteristics
Size: 1 foot tall, 3 – 4 feet wide
Flowers: Clusters of tiny flowers forming larger flowers of about 1 inch across, verbena-like fragrance
Bloom time: Consistent blooming spring through frost
Leaves: Medium green and pointed. About 1 inch long by ½ inch wide.
Pests and Disease Problems: If brown spots appear on the leaves, it is a fungus. These spots are routine, especially in the summer. Keeping leaves dry helps contain fungus infections. Spray only if they become quite severe. Lacebugs may be a problem on leaves.
Growing in North Texas
Purple Trailing Lantana, designated as a Texas Superstar™ by Texas AgriLife Extension Service, produces purple flowers. Prefers full sun, ideal watering once or twice per week once established, requires more water when grown in containers. Fertilize at planting time with a time-released product. Trailing lantana may be used as a ground cover, and it spreads quickly. Cut back in winter to produce new growth. Since most of Denton County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a, trailing lantana will not be evergreen. Can be used in xeriscape landscapes.
Warning: Poisonous to humans, dogs, and livestock.
References:
Texas Superstar® Description
“Easy Gardens for North Central Texas”; Steve Huddleston and Pamela Crawford; Color Garden Publishing; 2009; pages 68 – 69
“Neil Sperry’s Complete Guide to Texas Gardening, Second Edition”; Neil Sperry; Taylor Publishing Company; 1991; pages 226 – 227
“Plants of the Metroplex”; John Howard Garrett; University of Texas Press; 1998; page 81
Keywords (tags): Tropical, Perennial, Texas Superstar, Full Sun, Heat, Wind, Drought Tolerant