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Plant Guide

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Lantana camara

  • Common Name
    Lantana
  • CA Native
    Non-native
  • Plant Type
    Perennial
  • Size
    2' - 3' x 3'
  • Flower Color
    Pink, Purple, Yellow, Red, Orange
  • Bloom Time
    • Summer
  • Leaves
    Simple,Green,HeavilyVeined Rough (Sandpaper-like)
  • Evergreen
    Deciduous
  • Deer Resistant
    Rarely Damaged
  • Wildlife Value
    • Bees
    • Butterfly & Other Insect Nectar
    • Hummingbirds
  • Growth Rate
    Fast
  • Hardiness
    Hardy
  • Adverse Growth Factors
    Invasive
  • Special Features
    • Low Maintenance
    • Showy Flowers
  • Water Use
    • Drought Tolerant
    • Low
  • Soil pH
    6.5-7.5 (neutral)
  • Exposure
    • Full Sun
  • Soil Type
    Not Particular
  • Drainage
    Good Drainage
  • Description and Cultural Plant Tips

    Lantana is a great plant where deer are abundant. The leaves are poisonous if ingested so nothing bothers these plants. They are great for slopes and other areas that are hot and dry. They make a nice ground cover and weed block. As long as you keep them deadheaded, they will bloom all summer. Flowers are fragrant and the color variations will fit into any garden. Handling the plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction.

    Plants are not particular about soil type but will perform better if planted with organic matter and mulched to retain moisture. This plant is drought tolerant once established and suitable for xeriscaping. Cut back the woody stems in early spring. While this is an evergreen plant in the frost free areas of Marin it can be killed by heavy frosts.

    Bees and butterflies (swallowtails, skippers) love this plant and the berries are a delicacy for many birds.

    Plants are resistant to most insects and diseases.

  • Master Gardener Comments

    I use this plant on a hot, south facing hill that is frequented by deer. It is one of the few plants that are not nibbled by them. I have tried other plants back here but either the deer like them or the environment is just too harsh. They also really draw the butterflies to this area of my yard. I have never experienced any rashes when handling them. Trim them back every spring.

  • Varietals

    L. camara 'Confetti' - yellow, pink and magenta flowers

    L. camara 'New Gold' - deep yellow flowers

    L. camara 'Imperial  Purple' - deep purple flowers

    L. camara 'Radiation' - yellow and coral flower