Lantana is a widely recognized flowering plant, often cultivated in subtropical and tropical climates for its hardiness and continuous, vibrant color display. This perennial shrub is highly adaptable, thriving in conditions that many other ornamentals cannot tolerate. Lantana is frequently used in landscape designs, appearing in hanging baskets, containers, and as a durable groundcover. Its robust nature and long blooming season make it a popular garden choice.
Growth Habit and Overall Structure
The overall structure of a Lantana plant typically presents as a dense, bushy shrub with a spreading or mounding habit. Varieties of the common species, Lantana camara, generally grow as upright, multi-stemmed shrubs, often reaching heights between one and six feet, with a similar spread. The plant’s structure is determined by its variety, ranging from compact mounds to large, sprawling thickets.
The stems are a distinguishing feature, often exhibiting a square cross-section and sometimes bearing small, rough prickles or spines along the angles. Some types, such as the Trailing Lantana (Lantana montevidensis), maintain a more prostrate or weeping form, ideal for cascading over walls or acting as a dense groundcover. This growth pattern results in a full, interwoven appearance that provides substantial coverage.
Distinctive Features of the Foliage
Lantana foliage is characterized by its rough, sandpaper-like texture. The leaves are generally arranged in opposite pairs along the stems and have an oval or ovate shape with pointed tips. Their edges are finely serrated or toothed, creating a slightly coarse margin.
A notable characteristic of the leaves is the strong, pungent odor they release when bruised or crushed. This scent is often described as spicy, fermented citrus, or sharply herbaceous, and it is a reliable way to identify the plant even when flowers are absent. The simple leaves typically measure between one and five inches in length and are covered in short, stiff hairs.
Characteristics of the Flowers and Berries
The flowers of the Lantana are arguably its most recognizable feature, forming dense, dome-shaped or disc-like clusters called umbels. Each inflorescence is a composite head made up of numerous small, tubular florets, each possessing four spreading lobes. These clusters typically measure about two inches across and attract numerous pollinators.
A remarkable characteristic of the flowers is their ability to change color as they mature, which results in multiple colors appearing within a single flower head. Individual florets often open in a lighter shade, such as yellow or white, and then transition to a darker color like orange, pink, or red as they age. This color shift is believed to signal to pollinators which flowers are newly opened and still contain nectar.
Following the blooms, the Lantana produces small, fleshy fruits known as drupes, which appear in tight clusters beneath the faded flowers. These berries are initially green and hard when immature, but they gradually ripen, changing color to a dark purple or glossy black. The unripe green berries are particularly significant because they contain toxic pentacyclic triterpenoids, such as lantadene A and B. The green, unripe berries are the most toxic part of the plant if ingested.