Species

groundcover

Purple Trailing Lantana

The Story

Plant Bio

Lantana montevidensis is a low-growing, spreading species of Lantana with a trailing habit, making it an excellent groundcover or container plant. It is known for its toughness and long bloom season.

This variety features profuse clusters of small lavender-purple flowers that cover the plant for months. Its trailing stems can spread several feet, creating a carpet of color.

Uses & Benefits:

Its greatest asset is its ability to produce a nearly year-round carpet of purple flowers in frost-free climates. The trailing habit makes it exceptionally versatile for spilling over walls, cascading from baskets, or covering large areas.

An outstanding, tough-as-nails groundcover for erosion control on sunny slopes and banks. It tolerates heat, drought, and salt spray, making it ideal for coastal and roadside plantings.

The flowers are a consistent nectar source for a wide variety of butterflies, particularly smaller species like skippers and hairstreaks.

SpeciesLantana montevidensisTrailing Lantana

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

15 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to high

Lifespan

Tender perennial/annual

Native To

South America

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-fall

In flower about 5 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full sun location with excellent drainage.
Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for spreading.
Water regularly after planting until established.
Reduce watering once established; it is very drought tolerant.
Fertilize sparingly, if at all, to promote flowering.
Prune back in spring to control size and promote new growth.

Pro Tip

Shear it back hard in late winter or early spring to remove old growth and encourage fresh, dense flowering stems.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Give it plenty of room to spread out.
Plant in the hottest, sunniest spot you have.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Use it in hanging baskets and window boxes to spill over the edges.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, wet clay soil.
Do not over-fertilize, which will reduce flowering.
Do not plant in a shady location.
Avoid frequent, shallow watering.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Sprawling groundcover for sunny banksCascading spiller for containers and wallsDurable edging for hot driveways

Companion Plants

Agave Yucca Salvia leucantha Rosmarinus officinalis Verbena

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Purple Trailing Lantana questions

What zones can Purple Trailing Lantana grow in?

Purple Trailing Lantana is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Purple Trailing Lantana deer resistant?

Yes — Purple Trailing Lantana is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Purple Trailing Lantana bloom?

Purple Trailing Lantana typically blooms in early summer through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Purple Trailing Lantana need full sun?

Purple Trailing Lantana does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Purple Trailing Lantana drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Purple Trailing Lantana handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.