The Lantana plant is tropical, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 6 feet high and 8 feet wide.

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The Lantana plant is tropical, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 6 feet high and 8 feet wide. Some lantana will even grow higher if given a support to climb.

The leaves are 2-5 inches long and 1-2 inches wide with tooth edges and a textured surface. Even the stems are covered with rough hairs.

The plant gives off an unpleasant odor if crushed. Clusters of small flowers bloom almost non-stop in tropical areas. Otherwise, they bloom in summer and fall until killed by frost. The flowers range in color from orange or pink, to white or yellow.

It prefers mostly sun and part shade and is very drought resistant. Lantana needs very well drained soil. Over-watering or too much fertilizer will reduce the amount of blooms. While it prefers a warmer climate, Lantana will grow back even after being killed off by frost.

The Lantana shrub grows very quickly and can be used as a border or as a container plant. It can even endure salt spray for those with beach planters. Lantana is seldom bothered by pests or diseases. The leaves can actually be toxic to animals, so keep your pets out of it. This plant is especially attractive to butterflies, bees, and birds.

There are more than 100 species of Lantana varieties or hybrids. Weeping or trailing Lantana is beautiful as a groundcover or in a hanging basket. The Festival variety of Lantana tends to produce more brilliantly colored flowers.

The Lantana spreads very quickly to the point that it can become invasive if not kept in check. In some regions (especially Texas), it is considered to be a weed, because of its wild growth. In some cultures, the leaves are crushed and are used medicinally. In Mexico, Lantana leaves are used as a stomach tonic. In Sinaloa, it is a remedy for snakebite. Because of its hardiness, The Lantana plant is easy for the novice gardener to grow in warmer climates. You will enjoy its fragrant beauty for months at a time with very little care required.

Some of the best varieties to look for at your local nursery are New Gold, Weeping Lavender, Weeping White, Pinkie, Texas Flame (Dallas Red, or New Red), and Samantha (Lemon Swirl).

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