Texas Lantana (Lantana urticoides) Quick Facts

Host plant to the Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak and nectar plant to many

Native to Mexico, Texas, and neighboring states, especially along the Gulf Coast

Perennial, hardy in USDA zones 8-11, annual in other zones

Full to partial sun (flowers best in full sun)

Needs good drainage, prefers sandy or gravely, poor soil

Great for containers (trim, if you like, for desired shape and flower promotion)

Medium to dry moisture

Orange, red, and yellow flowers bloom from summer to fall

Grows 2 to 6 ft tall

Space plants 2 to 6 ft apart

Drought tolerant once established

Deer resistant

Texas Lantana (Lantana urticoides)

Texas Lantana is a beautiful perennial plant native to Texas and the surrounding regions along the Gulf Coast. It is known for its vibrant, multi-colored flower clusters and its ability to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.

The Flowers!

The colors and the nectar are what make this plant stand out. Lantana urticoides produces clusters of small, tubular flowers of red, orange, yellow, and sometimes even pink. Providing long-lasting color in your butterfly garden, it blooms from late spring through the fall. The bright flowers are a magnet to many butterflies and other pollinators.

Care of the Plant

Texas Lantana typically grows as a shrub, reaching heights of 2 to 6 feet and spreading 3 to 5 feet wide. With trimming, it can form a dense, low mound. As the name “Texas” indicates, this hardy plant is well-adapted to hot and dry climates and is drought tolerant.  It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, this is a very low maintenance plant.

Butterflies, bees, and birds love this plant! Texas Lantana will produce beautiful dark purple berries that are great for birds (but toxic to humans/pets), and nectar-rich flowers for the butterflies and bees. Native Lantana it is a wildlife goldmine for pollinators and birds!

Plant Texas Lantana in Your Butterfly Garden

Texas Lantana is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that draws in the pollinators to your garden.  If you live in a hot and dry region, be assured that this plant can handle it. It likes it hot and sunny!  With bright, kaleidoscope flowers, this plant will add cheery color (and butterflies!) to your butterfly garden.