Shrub
Common lantana
Lantana camara
A frost-sensitive evergreen shrub with rough aromatic leaves and rounded flower clusters that often change colour as they age. It needs full sun and frost-free conditions; in cold climates it is best grown in a container and overwintered under cover.
- Size
- 1–1.5 m high · 1–1.5 m wideVaries by cultivar
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Winter
- Frost sensitive
- Seasonal form
- Evergreen
- Maintenance
- Moderate
Before planting
- Choose full sun and a warm sheltered position; in a freezing climate, plan a bright frost-free winter space before buying.
- Keep the plant where children and pets are unlikely to eat leaves or fruit.
- In some warm regions outside its native range, lantana is invasive. Check local planting guidance before growing it.
Why choose it
- Dense clusters can carry several flower colours at once as individual flowers age.
- In warm conditions it can flower for a long period from late spring into autumn.
Care
- Water freely while actively growing but keep the root zone well drained; reduce watering in winter.
- Move containers under cover before cold weather and prune to shape when growth resumes.
- Feed container plants during active growth with a balanced liquid fertiliser, following the product’s label directions.
Good to know
- The plant is evergreen only in frost-free conditions and is harmful if eaten.