Lantana and Verbena are popular flowering plants often mistaken for one another due to their similar, dense flower heads. While both attract pollinators and offer long blooming seasons, they possess fundamental differences in their biology and cultivation needs. This article clarifies the distinctions necessary for proper identification and successful care of these two sun-loving plants.
Botanical Relationship and Classification
These two garden staples share membership in the Verbenaceae plant family, meaning they are distant relatives with a common ancestor. The scientific distinction occurs at the genus level, representing a significant biological separation. Lantana belongs to the genus Lantana, while Verbena belongs to the genus Verbena. This taxonomic difference leads to observable differences in their physical structures and growth patterns.
Distinguishing Physical Characteristics
Physical differences are most apparent in the foliage and stem structure. Lantana leaves typically have a rough, sandpaper-like texture and a pungent odor when crushed. As Lantana matures, its stems become woody and shrub-like, sometimes developing small prickles.
In contrast, Verbena species feature softer, more herbaceous stems that may be square in cross-section. Their leaves are generally finer, lobed, or smooth with a much milder fragrance.
The flowers also provide a clear visual cue. Lantana is famous for its polychromatic clusters, where individual florets change color as they age. A single flower head often displays multiple shades simultaneously, such as yellow centers transitioning to orange and red. Verbena flowers are also held in dense clusters, but the florets within a single cluster usually maintain one consistent color.
Growth Habits and Hardiness
The growth habit relates directly to their classification as woody or herbaceous. Lantana typically establishes itself as a dense, mounding shrub or woody perennial, often reaching several feet in height and width. Verbena plants, conversely, are predominantly sprawling, low-growing groundcovers or upright, airy herbaceous perennials.
Hardiness dictates where they can be grown year-round. Lantana is native to tropical regions and is generally only perennial in warm climates (USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11). Gardeners in cooler regions must treat Lantana as an annual. Many varieties of Verbena are more cold-tolerant, with some species surviving winter temperatures in zones as low as 4 or 5, functioning as reliable perennials in a wider range of climates.
Care Requirements and Toxicity
Cultivation requirements differ mainly in their need for water and pruning. Lantana is highly valued for its exceptional drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soil and intense heat. Aggressive pruning is often necessary to prevent it from becoming overly large.
Verbena varieties require more consistent moisture than Lantana to maintain a robust appearance. They generally only need simple deadheading to encourage continuous blooming.
Toxicity is a critical safety consideration for homeowners with children or pets. Lantana is known to be toxic, containing pentacyclic triterpenoids that can cause severe illness if ingested. The unripe berries are particularly poisonous. Conversely, most common garden Verbena varieties are considered non-toxic, and some species are cultivated for culinary use.