Lantana montevidensis, commonly called purple trailing lantana or weeping lantana, is native to tropical areas of South America. In frost free areas, it grows as a low, trailing, woody shrub to only 12-20" tall, but spreads by vine-like stems to 5' wide or more. It is typically grown as a dense ground cover. It features hairy, opposite, coarsely-toothed, ovate, dark green leaves. Clusters (to 1 1/2" across) of tiny lilac to purplish-pink flowers with yellow throats bloom profusely throughout the year in frost free areas. Flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. In temperate regions purple trailing lantana is grown as an annual, with flowers blooming from spring to fall frost. Flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. It is native to tropical South America.

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 8-10 where plants will thrive outdoors as sprawling, low-growing shrubs featuring continuous bloom throughout the year. Plants are easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Plants tolerate part shade, but best flowering is in full sun. Plants thrive in lean, sandy, slightly-dry soils. It is grown as an annual and as a container plant in cool regions. Garden Uses. Flowering, shrubby, low-maintenance ground cover for frost-free areas. Good for erosion control on banks or hillsides. Where not winter hardy, it serves as an excellent annual for bedding or ground cover. Cascading stems make this a superior selection for hanging baskets, containers or growing along the tops of walls.

Growing Instructions

Lantana seeds have slow and irregular germination. The seeds typically take 6 to 8 weeks to germinate. Because of this long germination period, it is essential to use sterile soil mix to prevent soil-borne diseases, and water carefully to avoid rotting of the seeds themselves. The seeds need moist, well-drained soil. Lantana is easiest to grow from seed when you keep the soil consistently moist and at a steady temperature between 70 and 75 F. (21-24 C.) day and night. 1. Soak the seed in water for 24 hours. 2. Put a sterile soil mix in a pot. Use a pot that has drainage holes in the base. Put the pot on a tray. 3. Sow the seeds 1/8 inch deep. 5. Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet. 6. Place the pots in an area with warm temperatures in part shade. Lantana seeds germinate better when the temperature is 70 degrees F or above. 7. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.