Lantana
Lantana camara / Lantana montevidensis
Lantana is a tough, colorful flowering plant used often in Arizona landscapes for groundcover, borders, and seasonal color. It is popular because it provides bright blooms with relatively low water once established.
Alvesgaspar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 — license
Schedule: Weekly to twice-weekly in summer, less in cooler months.
Emitters: 1–2 emitters per shrub adjusted seasonally.
Most desert-adapted shrubs prefer drying out between waterings.
Arizona yards have very different microclimates. West-facing walls, glass, artificial turf, pavers, travertine, porcelain, and pool decking all increase reflected heat. AE considers these before confirming placement.
- Low root impact
AE verifies pool deck, paver, foundation, wall, and utility clearances before final planting.
Quick Facts
- Plant type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- Low to medium depending on variety (1–2 ft tall, 3–6 ft spread)
- Growth rate
- Fast to moderate
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water use
- Low
- Bloom season
- Warm-season bloom with seasonal variation
- Flower color
- Yellow, orange, red, purple, white, or mixed depending on variety
- Foliage
- Green
- Evergreen / Deciduous
- Semi-evergreen
- Thorns / spines
- None
- Litter level
- Medium
- Pool area
- Good with placement
- Pet/kid placement
- Use with care
- Maintenance
- Seasonal pruning
- Privacy value
- Low
- Shade value
- Low
- Native
- Desert-adapted
About Lantana
AE uses lantana for big color in challenging spots. Plan for winter cutback after frost dieback.
Best uses: Color groundcover, front yard borders, pool-adjacent areas with placement, raised planters, wall edges, turf borders, pollinator-friendly areas, low-water color
AE Designer Opinion
Design Uses
- Color groundcover
- Front yard borders
- Pool-adjacent areas with placement
- Raised planters
- Wall edges
- Turf borders
- Pollinator-friendly areas
- Low-water color
Care & Maintenance
- Low to moderate water depending on season and exposure
- Cut back hard in late winter after frost dieback
- Seasonal trimming and cleanup
- High heat tolerance with proper irrigation
Common Homeowner Mistakes
- Expecting it to look perfect year-round
- Skipping the late-winter cutback
- Ignoring toxicity concerns near pets and children
Placement Warnings
- Seasonal frost damage possible
- May need trimming
- Check toxicity concerns for pets and children
- Not a zero-maintenance plant
AE reviews final placement based on sun, irrigation, drainage, mature size, and overall design.
Pairs Well With
- Red Yucca
- Texas Sage
- Desert Willow
- Deer Grass
- Blue Agave
- Damianita
- Trailing Rosemary
More Arizona Plants Like This
Ready to Build Your AE Plant Wishlist?
Add Lantana and your other favorites to your wishlist, then send it to the AE design team for the final plant palette.