Common lantana
Also known as
Spanish flag, West Indian lantana, Shrub verbena, Tickberry, Red sage, Wild sage
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
Get the appAbout Common lantana
Lantana camara is a robust, evergreen to semi-woody shrub native to the tropical Americas and now widespread across warm regions worldwide. Typically 0.6–2 m tall, it has rough, opposite, serrated leaves that release a pungent, citrusy scent when bruised. Densely packed, rounded umbels bear many small tubular flowers whose colors often shift as they age—commonly yellow to orange, red, pink, or multicolored—providing a long season of bloom from spring until frost. The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, while the green berries ripen to glossy black drupes that are poisonous if ingested. Lantana tolerates heat, sun, drought, and salt, thriving even in lean, well-drained soils, making it valuable for coastal and water-wise plantings. However, it is invasive in many tropical and subtropical regions, forming thickets that outcompete native flora. Gardeners can limit spread by choosing sterile or low-seed cultivars and by regular deadheading. Compact selections suit containers, hanging baskets, and sunny borders, offering resilient color with comparatively low maintenance.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Common lantana
Water
Water deeply but infrequently once established, allowing the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry between waterings. During the first growing season, irrigate regularly to develop a strong root system, then reduce frequency. Containers dry quickly in heat and wind—check more often in summer. Avoid persistently wet soil, which promotes root rot and reduces bloom. Water in the morning to limit foliar disease. In winter or cool spells, especially indoors, water sparingly while the plant grows slowly.
Light
Provide full sun for best bloom—at least 6–8 hours of direct light daily outdoors. In partial shade it will survive but flower less and become leggy. Indoors, place at a bright south- or west-facing window, or use strong grow lights 12–14 hours daily. Rotate pots for even growth. When moving between indoors and outdoors, acclimate gradually over 7–10 days to prevent leaf scorch or growth stall.
Nutrients
Feed lightly; too much nitrogen reduces flowering. For in-ground plants, incorporate compost at planting and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (around 10‑10‑10) once in spring; a light midsummer top-up is enough on poor soils. Container plants benefit from diluted balanced liquid feed every 3–4 weeks during active growth. Maintain soil pH near 6–7 for good nutrient availability. Always water before fertilizing and occasionally flush containers to prevent salt buildup. Pause feeding in winter or during severe heat stress.
Temperature
Ideal growth is 65–85°F (18–29°C). Lantana is frost-sensitive; damage occurs near 28–30°F (−2 to −1°C). Perennial in USDA zones 9–11; in zone 8 it may die back and resprout if mulched after mild winters. Heat-tolerant once established, it flowers through hot summers. Overwinter container plants indoors in bright light at 55–65°F (13–18°C). Avoid cold, waterlogged conditions and protect freshly pruned plants from late cold snaps to prevent dieback.
