shrubN. America Native

Hammock Shrubverbena

The Story

Plant Bio

Lantana canescens, the hammock shrubverbena, is an upright, branching perennial shrub native to southern Florida, Texas, and tropical America, reaching three to four feet in height. The small, opposite leaves feature deeply impressed venation and finely serrate margins, carrying a soft, hoary pubescence on new growth.

This species is distinguished by its dense axillary spikes of creamy white to pale yellow flowers that bloom continuously from spring through fall. Unlike its aggressive relative Lantana camara, it remains a well-behaved, non-invasive native that is state-listed as endangered in its Florida pineland habitats.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces continuous clusters of creamy white flowers against textured, hoary green foliage.

Offers exceptional drought and salt tolerance, making it ideal for challenging coastal or xeriscape designs.

Provides a high-value nectar source for native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America, Central America, South America, Caribbean

Toxicity

Toxic to Pets and Livestock, Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun and exceptionally well-drained, sandy or rocky soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was growing in the container.
Water moderately to settle the soil, then allow the ground to dry out completely between waterings.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Prune stems lightly in late winter to shape the canopy and remove frost damage; cutting back severely into old, leafless wood often prevents new buds from breaking.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly porous, well-drained soils to prevent root rot.
Provide full sun to maximize flower production and maintain a compact habit.
Prune lightly in late winter to encourage fresh, dense branching.

Don't

Do not overwater or allow the plant to sit in standing water.
Avoid heavy applications of nitrogen fertilizer, which reduces flowering and causes weak, floppy growth.
Do not cut back severely into old, bare wood where dormant buds are absent.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Native GardensButterfly GardensCoastal GardensRock GardensDrought-Tolerant Borders

Companion Plants

Salvia coccinea Asclepias tuberosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hammock Shrubverbena questions

What zones can Hammock Shrubverbena grow in?

Hammock Shrubverbena is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Hammock Shrubverbena deer resistant?

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

When does Hammock Shrubverbena bloom?

Hammock Shrubverbena typically blooms in spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Hammock Shrubverbena need full sun?

Hammock Shrubverbena does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Hammock Shrubverbena drought tolerant?

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