The short answer
Yes. Lantana is widely regarded as drought tolerant once it is established, and it is known for flowering in heat and full sun. The catch for a native-plant gardener is that the common garden lantana (Lantana camara) is not native to North America, and it has become invasive in some regions. Whether it belongs in your garden depends partly on where you live.
How lantana handles dry conditions
Lantana comes from warm regions of the Americas and does best in full sun, heat and well-drained soil. Newly planted lantana needs regular watering for a while so the roots can develop. After that, it generally does well with deep, infrequent watering and can bloom better when the soil is allowed to dry between waterings.
Overwatering and rich soil are more common problems than drought. Too much water or fertilizer can produce lots of leaves and fewer flowers, and soggy soil can lead to root rot. In containers, lantana still dries out faster than it would in the ground, so pots need more attention.
Perennial or annual?
Lantana is a tender perennial. In frost-free or very mild climates it may come back year after year, often cited as roughly USDA zones 9 to 11 depending on the type. In colder areas it is commonly grown as an annual, though some gardeners overwinter plants indoors. Check the hardiness of the specific cultivar you buy.
The native-garden catch
- Lantana camara is native to tropical regions of the Americas, not to the United States. It is considered invasive in Florida, Hawaii and other warm regions, where it can escape gardens and crowd out native plants. Newer cultivars are sometimes marketed as sterile or low-seeding, but claims vary, so check with your local extension office.
- Trailing lantana (Lantana montevidensis) is a different species, native to South America. It has a spreading habit and lavender flowers. It is also non-native, and local invasiveness status varies.
- Native lantanas exist. Texas lantana (Lantana urticoides, also sold as L. horrida) is native to parts of Texas and Mexico, and pineland lantana (Lantana depressa) is native to Florida. If you live in these regions, a native species is usually a better choice than a hybrid.
If you are unsure, your state native plant society or invasive species council can tell you whether lantana is a concern locally.
Safety: toxicity and skin irritation
Lantana plants, particularly the unripe berries, are considered toxic if eaten, and are a concern for children, pets and livestock. Some people also report skin irritation after handling the foliage. Wearing gloves while pruning is a sensible precaution. If a child or pet has eaten any part of the plant, contact a poison control center or veterinarian.
Growing lantana from seed
Lantana can be grown from seed, but germination is often slow and uneven, and named cultivars may not come true. Most gardeners buy plants or take cuttings. Because lantana seed spreads readily in some regions, there is another reason to think carefully before seeding it.
Native alternatives for sunny, dry spots
If you want long-blooming color for pollinators without the concerns above, consider these natives, depending on your region:
- Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) for orange blooms and monarch caterpillars.
- Blanket flower (Gaillardia pulchella) for red-and-yellow color through summer.
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) for pollinator traffic.
- Texas lantana, if you garden within its native range.
For more options, see our guide to perennial plants for dry sunny areas or the regional picks for Georgia.
Frequently asked questions
Is lantana a perennial or an annual? Both, depending on climate. It is perennial in frost-free areas and often treated as an annual elsewhere.
Can lantana cause skin irritation? Some people report irritation from handling it, so gloves are a good idea.
Is there a difference between lantana and trailing lantana? Yes. They are different species with different habits. Trailing lantana is lower and spreading, while common lantana is more upright.
Do hummingbirds and butterflies like lantana? Butterflies and hummingbirds commonly visit lantana flowers, but native plants generally support a wider range of local wildlife.