Lantana montevidensis is a low-growing shrub spreading up to 10′ feet across and only reaches about 18″ inches tall.
This cascading Lantana is commonly called purple trailing lantana due to the trailing growth and clusters of purple flowers.
The plant is native to various subtropical regions of South America and is often grown in California to protect against soil erosion on dry hillsides.
The flowering shrub belongs to the Lantana genus, which includes about 150 species, and is a member of the Verbenaceae family.
It’s also known by its common names:
- Trailing lantana
- Weeping lantana
- Creeping lantana
- Small lantana
- Trailing shrubverbena
Related: Types of Lantana Colors, Sizes & Growth Habits
While it’s an easy plant to cultivate, purple trailing lantana requires a few considerations for optimal growth.
Lantana Montevidensis Quick Care Tips
- Botanical Name: Lantana montevidensis
- Common Name(s): Purple Trailing Lantana, Weeping Lantana, Trailing lantana, Creeping lantana, Small lantana, Trailing shrubverbena
- Synonyms: Lantana sellowiana, Lantana pendula
- Pronunciation: lan-TAN-a mon-tay-vid-EN-sis
- Family & Origin: Verbenaceae family, native to subtropical regions of South America
- Growability: Easy to grow
- Grow Zone: USDA zones 8-10
- Size: Can grow up to 18″ inches tall and 10′ feet across
- Flowering: Blooms with clusters of small, purple flowers in summer
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Humidity: Tolerates moderate humidity
- Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 60-85°F
- Soil: Well-draining soil
- Water: Moderate watering, but do not overwater
- Fertilizer: Fertilize with ammonium phosphate fertilizer in spring
- Pests & Diseases: Can be susceptible to spider mites and whiteflies and may be prone to powdery mildew, leaf spot, root rot,
- Propagation: Can be propagated through seeds, division, or cuttings
- Plant Uses: Great for ground cover, hanging baskets, and as a border plant. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
Purple Trailing Lantana Care
Size and Growth
Purple trailing lantana creeps low across the ground, reaching about 18″ inches tall and 10′ feet across.
The lower branches are woody, while the upper growth is more vine-like.
A single root system can spread 5′ feet or more, making it a popular choice for ground cover.
The dark green leaves are coarsely toothed and hairy.
When crushed, the leaves may cause skin irritation and release an unpleasant aroma.
TIP: Always wear gloves when handling purple trailing lantana.
Flowering and Fragrance
- The Lantana flowers appear in clusters and feature yellow throats with purplish-pink petals.
- The plant blooms at the start of summer, with additional blooms occurring throughout the year.
- The flowers keep coming until the first frost of winter.
- The showy blooms produce a pleasant aroma, unlike the leaves.
- The scent and colors of the flowers also attract bees and butterflies during the summer.
Light and Temperature
Purple trailing lantana can grow in full sun to partial shade.
It’s often grown as ground cover with taller plants, providing moderate shade for the low-growing shrub.
Plants tolerate part shade, but they flower best in full sun. They thrive in lean, sandy, slightly dry soils.
The plant is best suited for outdoor growth in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10 and tolerates moderate humidity.
Purple trailing lantana also prefers temperatures between 60° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit.
It can survive outdoors in warm regions, but frost and freezing temperatures will kill the plant quickly.
In regions experiencing temperatures close to freezing, cover the top of the soil with mulch before winter.
Watering and Feeding
Lantana montevidensis is a low-maintenance plant requiring moderate watering and medium moisture.
Container plants are less tolerant of dry soils than those grown in the ground. They should be watered regularly and never allowed to dry out.
After the plant becomes established, it needs watering only occasionally.
Container plants require more frequent watering. Never allow the soil to dry out completely.
In spring, you can also fertilize this plant with ammonium phosphate fertilizer to promote blooms.
Soil and Transplanting
- Grow purple trailing lantana in well-drained soil. Slightly sandy and dry soil works best.
- Adding sand to regular potting soil increases drainage and helps create the right conditions for the plant.
- Transplant purple trailing lantana as needed, such as when rearranging a garden.
- Only transplant in the spring or fall when the weather is cooler.
- Hot summer weather may stress the root system.
- Dig up the soil around the plant to protect the roots.
- Try to avoid handling the roots too much and transplant them as soon as possible.
- Use well-drained, moist soil.
Grooming and Maintenance
Groom Lantana to manage its growth.
Without pruning Lantana, it may spread and overtake other plants.
Trim the plant in the spring before the temperatures get too warm.
Trim it back to control growth and remove wilted foliage. Butterflies love them, people adore them, and we highly recommend them in any drought-resistant landscape designs!
As lantana grows quickly, it’s possible to trim it back to about a foot from the ground.
Light trimming throughout the year may also encourage new growth and fuller blooms.
How To Propagate Trailing Lantana Montevidensis?
Propagate using seeds, division, or cuttings.
The plant reseeds at the end of the growing season.
Collect the seeds and sow them at the start of spring.
To propagate by division, dig up the soil around the plant and remove the root ball with a shovel.
Find the base of the stems and separate it into two or three sections.
Plant each section in well-drained soil and keep it moist until the plants settle.
Take cuttings in the spring.
- Use 4″ inch cuttings of new growth.
- Remove the lower leaves and place the cuttings in small pots using a mixture of perlite and peat moss.
- Keep the plants moist until the cuttings take root.
- When the new plants appear sturdy, transplant them outdoors or in separate containers.
Lantana Montevidensis Pest or Diseases
Lantana montevidensis doesn’t suffer from significant pest or disease issues. Lantana is generally a very low-maintenance plant.
It may be subject to powdery mildew if grown in shade. Leaf spot and stem rot may also occur.
Whiteflies and spider mites may infest the plant, but infestations are rare.
If whiteflies appear, spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Along with pests and diseases, pay attention to the invasiveness and toxicity of the plant.
More on the question of is the: Lantana Plant Poisonous?
Purple trailing lantana grows quickly and has become invasive in some parts of the world.
It’s not recommended for growth in Hawaii or Australia.
In other regions, it should be grown with care to avoid uncontrolled spread.
Ingesting the plant may cause discomfort, especially when eating the berries.
Dogs and small animals may experience more severe effects, including damage to the liver and gallbladder.
Livestock should not be allowed near the plant as the toxicity may lead to permanent damage to major organs.
Suggested Purple Trailing Lantana Uses
The flowering Lantana montevidensis shrub is a low-maintenance option for a colorful ground cover in frost-free regions.
It also provides soil erosion control on hillsides and embankments.
In cooler regions, consider using purple trailing lantana as an annual for ground cover in hanging baskets or garden bedding.
