Lantana is a very popular garden plant because of its sweet-smelling flowers and foliage. The many varieties of Lantana come in a range of flower colors and sizes.Identifying these types can be tricky, especially if you are new to the world of flowers. No matter what you do, you can’t seem to lock the different types in your mind and find yourself wondering if there is a way to make sense of it. Well, today, we have the answers for you! Let’s take a look at the Different Types Of Lantanas.
1. Lantana Trifolia (Popcorn Lantana)
The popcorn Lantana is a small, bushy plant with purple or pink flowers and green leaves. It has been used as an ornamental for many years in the United States.
The name “popcorn” comes from its resemblance to corn kernels. This plant can grow up to five feet tall and spread over one foot wide.
Popcorn Lantana grows well in full sun or partial shade and does not require much water. It does well in different soil types.
As a perennial, Lantana Trifolia can be planted outside in summer but should stay indoors over the winter months.
2. Lantana Involucrata (Buttonsage)
This type of Lantana has large, fragrant white flowers that are similar to those of the trumpet vine.
The button sage is also known as the butterfly bush because of its large white flowers which resemble butterflies.
Button sage is easy to grow and requires little maintenance. The plant will tolerate drought conditions and needs only moderate amounts of water.
Its native habitat is in South America but it also grows well in parts of Florida.
Button sage can be grown in either full sun or partial shade. It prefers moist soils and can often be found near coastal areas.
Buttonsage can easily be propagated by seed or cuttings.
3. Lantana Crenulata (Crescent Lantana)
This variety of Lantana plants has smaller, more rounded leaves than other varieties.
They have a soft texture and are covered in fine hairs. Crescent Lantana is extremely cold-hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit.
It can be found growing wild throughout North America and Europe.
Because of its ability to endure harsh weather, crescent Lantana is considered an excellent choice for xeriscape gardening.
Crescent Lantana can be grown in full sunlight or partial shade. It likes plenty of moisture during the spring and fall but dries out quickly during hot summers.
4. Lantana Urticoides (Texas Lantana)
Texas Lantanas are popular among gardeners looking for a compact, fast-growing shrub. They are perfect for use as ground covers or edge work.
Texas Lantana is a great addition to any landscape because it tolerates a wide range of soil types. It enjoys a woodland setting where it grows as a thick shrub.
It can thrive in full sun and even in poor soil. It is drought tolerant and can handle periods of extreme heat and humidity.
Texas Lantana can be used in containers or directly on the ground. This type of Lantana grows naturally only in Mexico, as well as Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arizona, and Mississippi.
The leaves of Texas Lantana are fragrant and feel rough to the touch. The sap of these plants can cause dermatitis.
Propagation is done through cuttings, division, and seed.
5. Lantana Montevidensis (Trailing Lantana)
Trailing Lantanas are long-lived perennials that make good ground cover plants. They can reach a spread of up to 10 feet.
They have small, oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Trailing Lantana is best suited for sunny locations.
It needs regular watering during the summer months when temperatures rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
There is a large variety of trailing Lantana including Lavender Swirl, Trailing Yellow, New Gold, and Weeping Lavender.
6. Lantana Achyranthifolia (Mexican Marjoram)
This variety of Lantana is native to Mexico and it takes its name from its fragrant leaves. They are densely packed on short stems. Its flowers start outgrowing white and then change to purple and pink.
Mexican Marjoram grows wild in South America and Mexico. It’s tolerant to all soil types but prefers well-drained soil.
7. Lantana Pastazensis
Pastazensis Lantana is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to Ecuador. It is an endangered plant and its conservation status is listed as vulnerable.
Lantana Pastazensis can be found in the tropical rainforests of Ecuador, where it grows in high humidity and wet soils.
Due to its conservation status, this Lantana is not seen outside of Ecuador. Unfortunately, this means that there is very little known about it.
8. Lantana Horrida (Wild Lantana)
Wild Lantanas are native to Central and South America and they grow in a variety of grasslands, shrublands, and mountain areas.
Wild Lantanas bloom in a range of colors from pink and red to yellow and orange. They enjoy full sun and dry climates.
Lantana Horrida can grow into a medium-size shrub attracting butterflies and beers with its heavily scented flowers and leaves.
9. Lantana Camara
This is the most popular type of Lantana. It has a vast range of cultivars and despite its large size, they can be found in many gardens.
Lantana Camara can grow up to 4 feet tall. It’s an ideal winter plant suitable for USDA hardiness zones from 8 to 12.
It can be grown in full sun or part shade and thrives in both dry and wet environments.
Lantana Camara is very tolerant of heat and drought and can survive temperatures down to -15 degrees Fahrenheit.
The plant is highly resistant to insects and diseases.
Propagation of this species is done through seeds, cuttings, and root division.
10. Lantana Camara Cultivars
There is a range of Lantana Camara that have been cultivated with different traits. Here are some of the most popular Lantana Camara cultivars.
Pot Of Gold
As its name indicates, this Lantana Camara cultivar has large, yellow flowers. It is one of the most impressive types of Lantana.
The bright yellow creates a striking contrast to the green foliage. This plant can grow up to 15 inches in height.
It’s ideal for pots but can also be planted outside in warmer climates. However, ideally, they should be indoors during the winter months.
Pot of Gold Lantana flowers heavily in the early summer months, all the way through to fall.
This type of Lantana is different from other types because it produces only yellow flowers and not florets. These bright yellow blooms can add a touch of color to every flower bed.
Apart from their pleasant appearance, these plants are also easy to care for.
11. Bandana Cherry
This Lantana Camara is named after its small cherry blossoms. The petals are light pink, and they create a beautiful contrast against the dark green foliage.
The plant can grow up to 26 inches in height and it can spread around 2 feet. Together with its red flowers, it creates a great ground cover display that attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
The flowers bloom from early spring until the end of fall. This long flowering time makes Bandana Cherry ideal for landscaping and gardening.
But this trailing Lantana is not just good to cover large areas. It can also be used to add a pop of color to flower beds and borders.
Thanks to its long trailing branches, it can also be used in hanging baskets and large pots.
12. Pink Dawn
This variety of Lantana Camara has small yellow flowers that turn pink throughout the year. Pink Dawn is one of the more understated varieties.
However, this doesn’t make it less appealing to gardeners. The pink flowers can create an attractive space where only a little bit of color is needed.
An advantage of these plants is that they are sterile. This means that they don’t spread any seed across the garden.
Pink Dawn is a relatively small shrub that fits neatly into borders and flower beds. However, it can still reach up to 3 feet spread and height.
This Lantana Camara cultivar is hardy and thrives in climate USDA zones 8 and warmer.
The pink Lantanas are commonly popular with insects and butterflies.
How To Care For Lantana Plants
Most types of Lantana need either partial share or full sun exposure to thrive. These plants can tolerate some shade but they should have at least six hours and more sunlight daily.
If you live in a region with harsh winters, then you need to protect your plants from cold weather. You can do this by planting them in containers or raised beds, and taking them indoors over winter.
Lantana plants can grow in most soil types but they prefer soil that’s slightly more acidic.
Although these plants love sunshine, they also need to be watered regularly. If your Lantana is in sandy soil, then you will need to water them daily in summer.
If you notice that your Lantana doesn’t flower anymore, then try to water it more.
Final Thoughts
You may think that you need to spend thousands of dollars on your landscape or garden. But there are many ways to bring beauty and style to your yard without spending too much money.
If you want to get started right away, then you might consider planting a few of these inexpensive Lantana varieties.
You will find that these plants are very easy to grow and maintain. They require minimal water and fertilizer.
And they can add a dash of color to your garden in no time. So if you are ready for some color, try planting some Lantanas.
