Trailing Lantana
Lantana montevidensis
A fast-spreading trailing groundcover ideal for slopes, with lavender, yellow, or white blooms year-round.
A root-hardy perennial groundcover in USDA zones 9-11 that blooms year-round in frost-free pockets, dies back in the low 20s°F, and returns each spring while relishing intense low-desert heat.
AMWUA Notes
A fast, low-water slope and cascade cover; shear regularly to keep its vigorous spread out of turf and hardscape joints.
Care Guide
Water every 7-10 days in summer to keep the fast-trailing stems full; established plants tolerate longer intervals and light drought.
Shear the whole mat lightly through the year to control its 6 ft spread, then cut hard to a few inches in late winter to remove frost damage and force dense regrowth.
A light spring feeding is all it needs; heavy fertilizer promotes rank growth and fewer flowers.
Occasional whitefly, lace bug, and spider mites in summer heat; generally trouble-free and less berry-forming than shrub lantana.
Nearly continuous lavender, white, or yellow bloom in warm months; freezes back in the low 20s°F and regrows vigorously from the crown in spring.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Adaptable to most well-drained soils, including poor, rocky, and alkaline desert soils; tolerates heat and drought once established.
Needs well-drained soil.
Low feeder.
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings; roots readily where trailing stems touch soil (layering).
3-4 ft on center for fast slope coverage
Stems root as they creep, so shear back from turf edges and pool coping; the roots themselves are not deeply invasive but the plant spreads to 6 ft.
Placement Tips
- •Space 3-4 ft apart on slopes and banks where its fast trailing habit gives quick cascading cover.
- •Let it spill over retaining walls, raised beds, and boulder edges for a soft draping effect.
- •Keep sheared back from turf edges and pool coping, since it roots and creeps aggressively.
- •Plant in full sun for maximum bloom and dense coverage.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Wildlife Value
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Trailing Lantana. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Trailing Lantana — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Trailing Lantana need in Phoenix?
Trailing Lantana is a moderate-water groundcover once established. Water every 7-10 days in summer to keep the fast-trailing stems full; established plants tolerate longer intervals and light drought. A fast, low-water slope and cascade cover; shear regularly to keep its vigorous spread out of turf and hardscape joints.
How big does Trailing Lantana get?
Expect roughly 1 ft tall and 6 ft wide at maturity, with a fast growth rate. Allow about 3-4 ft on center for fast slope coverage of spacing when planting. Stems root as they creep, so shear back from turf edges and pool coping; the roots themselves are not deeply invasive but the plant spreads to 6 ft.
Can you plant Trailing Lantana near a pool?
Yes. Trailing Lantana is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Trailing Lantana handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Trailing Lantana is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. A root-hardy perennial groundcover in USDA zones 9-11 that blooms year-round in frost-free pockets, dies back in the low 20s°F, and returns each spring while relishing intense low-desert heat. Nearly continuous lavender, white, or yellow bloom in warm months; freezes back in the low 20s°F and regrows vigorously from the crown in spring.
Does Trailing Lantana have thorns?
No. Trailing Lantana is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Trailing Lantana safe around pets?
Trailing Lantana is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Trailing Lantana bloom in Arizona?
Trailing Lantana blooms in year-round, with lavender/yellow/white flowers. The bloom draws butterflies, bees.
How much maintenance does Trailing Lantana need?
Trailing Lantana is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Shear the whole mat lightly through the year to control its 6 ft spread, then cut hard to a few inches in late winter to remove frost damage and force dense regrowth.
What kind of soil does Trailing Lantana need?
Adaptable to most well-drained soils, including poor, rocky, and alkaline desert soils; tolerates heat and drought once established. Nutrient needs are low. A light spring feeding is all it needs; heavy fertilizer promotes rank growth and fewer flowers.
Is Trailing Lantana native to Arizona?
No. Trailing Lantana is not an Arizona native; it originates from the South America, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.