Lantana, a genus of flowering plants native to tropical regions of the Americas, is a magnet for pollinators in gardens across the world. These vibrant, heat-tolerant shrubs are celebrated by gardeners for their ability to draw in wildlife. Lantana definitively attracts butterflies, making it a reliable and popular addition to a pollinator-focused landscape. This strong attraction results from a specialized floral structure that caters perfectly to the foraging needs of various butterfly species.
Why Butterflies Are Drawn to Lantana
Butterflies are drawn to Lantana due to the plant’s unique floral architecture and high-quality food source. Lantana produces dense, flat-topped clusters of tiny, tubular flowers, known as umbels. These clusters create a stable landing platform, allowing species like Swallowtails and Hairstreaks to easily access nectar without expending much energy.
The flowers change color as they age, serving as a visual cue to pollinators. Newly opened flowers, which contain the freshest nectar, are often bright yellow, while older, already-pollinated flowers transition to darker shades of red, orange, or pink. Butterflies are visually drawn to this color difference, directing them toward the most rewarding blooms. The plant provides a consistent nectar flow throughout its long blooming season, establishing it as a reliable, long-term food source.
Growing Lantana to Maximize Butterfly Visits
To maximize nectar and blooms, gardeners must prioritize full sun exposure. Lantana requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to fuel the robust flowering necessary to attract butterflies. Placing the plants in groups, rather than isolated individuals, creates a larger, more visible floral display that acts as a beacon for passing insects.
Continuous flowering is encouraged through deadheading or shearing. Removing spent blossoms redirects the plant’s energy, which would otherwise be used to produce seeds, back into creating new buds and nectar. Choosing specific cultivars can also enhance the butterfly garden. Many hybrid varieties, such as ‘New Gold’ or ‘Gold Mound,’ are sterile, meaning they bloom profusely without wasting energy on seed production.
Essential Safety Notes Regarding Lantana
While Lantana is prized for its beauty and ability to attract butterflies, many varieties contain toxic compounds. The leaves, stems, and especially the unripe, dark-colored berries contain pentacyclic triterpenoids, which are poisonous if ingested. This toxicity poses a risk to children, pets, and livestock, with symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal upset to liver damage.
In warmer regions, the traditional, non-sterile varieties of Lantana camara are classified as invasive species, such as in Florida and Texas. These plants can quickly spread and outcompete native vegetation. Therefore, it is recommended to select sterile, non-seeding cultivars for ground planting. Additionally, some individuals with sensitive skin may experience mild irritation from contact with the plant’s rough leaves, so wearing gloves during maintenance is advisable.