Lantana scabrida

Lantana scabrida

rough lantana

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Taxonomy

Common Names

rough lantana

Context

nativeRegion

Neotropics, particularly Central and South America; widespread in Mexico.

usdaZones

9–11 outdoors; grown as annual or in containers outside these zones.

companionPlants

Salvia spp., Lavandula spp., Coreopsis spp.

culturalUses

Commonly planted for pollinator gardens, erosion control, and ornamental use due to its colorful, long-lasting flowers.

Care

LightFull sun to partial shade; thrives best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

WateringModerately drought-tolerant once established; water when topsoil dries out but avoid waterlogging.

SoilPrefers well-draining sandy or loamy soils; tolerates poor, rocky soils.

FertilizerLittle to no fertilizer needed; overly rich soils reduce flowering. Use a balanced fertilizer sparingly in poor soils.

HumidityTolerates a range of humidity levels; prefers moderate humidity.

TemperatureGrows best in warm climates; sensitive to frost but can survive mild cold.

HabitWoody perennial shrub, sometimes subshrub, with spreading or upright branches.

Mature SizeTypically 1–2 meters tall and wide under optimal conditions.

Growth RateModerate to fast-growing depending on conditions.

BloomingProduces small, clustered, typically purple or violet flowers from spring through fall in favorable climates.

DormancySemi-dormant in cool months, especially in non-tropical climates.

MethodsSeed, Stem cuttings

DifficultyEasy

Best SeasonSpring to early summer

PruningPrune after main flowering flush to control size and promote bushiness.

RepottingOnly necessary if grown in containers; repot every 2–3 years or when rootbound.

Pests & DiseasesGenerally hardy; may be affected by whiteflies, aphids, or spider mites. Good air circulation prevents fungal issues.

ToxicityMildly toxic if ingested; berries especially toxic to children and pets.

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