Lantanas

Lantana is a rugged evergreen shrub from the tropics. The species will grow to 6 ft high and may spread to 8 ft in width with some varieties able to clamber vine like up supports to greater heights with the help of support. The leaves are 2-5 in long by 1-2 in wide with rounded tooth edges and a textured surface. Stems and leaves are covered with rough hairs and emit an unpleasant aroma when crushed. The small flowers are held in clusters (called umbels) that are typically 1-2 in across. Flower color ranges from white to yellow, orange to red, pink to rose in unlimited combinations, in addition the flowers usually change in color as they age. A lantana may look orange from a distance but the flower head is examined at close range it consists of individual white, yellow and red flowers that blend when viewed from afar. Numerous garden cultivars have been developed with flower-heads completely white, yellow and many other colors.

The leaves have a sandpaper-like texture. Although many dislike the sharp, citrusy smell of this plant, the aroma of their foliage qualifies them as fragrant plants. The flower’s nectar attracts several species of butterflies including the spice bush swallowtail.