shrub verbena
Lantana trifolia
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Hardiness Zone:
10 - 11
Flowers:
Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Poisonous To Pets:
Yes
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Thorny:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
pruning
Shrub Verbena (Lantana trifolia) should be pruned early in the spring when growth begins to resume. Pruning should be done lightly to maintain the natural shape of the shrub and should consist of removing any dead or dying stems, as well as shaping the shrub to the desired size and shape. Aim to remove no more than 1/3 of the plant in any 1 pruning session and do not prune to below 12-18”. Pruning done in the summer months may cause die back and can lead to an unsightly plant, so try to stick to the spring for routine pruning.
sunlight
Shrub verbena (Lantana trifolia) grows best in full sun, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of daily sunlight. While it can tolerate light shade, it performs best in full sun. This plant appreciates warm temperatures, so it is better to grow it in a location that receives direct midday or afternoon sunlight. Avoid planting in a spot where the sun is blocked by buildings or trees. To ensure that your shrub verbena gets the sunlight it needs, try to select a planting location facing south, southeast or southwest.
watering
Shrub verbena (Lantana trifolia) should be watered deeply and thoroughly, approximately 2 to 3 times per month during the growing season. It prefers well-drained soil that is slightly moist, so ensure adequate drainage before applying water. If rainfall is limited, supplemental irrigation should be provided in order to maintain healthy plants. During periods of extreme heat or drought, increase the frequency of waterings to 2 to 3 times per week. Avoid the temptation to water the plant lightly each day as this can cause root rot and discourage healthy growth.
Season
Hardiness Map
Lantana, or Lantana camara, is a beautiful and popular flower choice for Zone 9 gardens. This evergreen shrub produces vibrant clusters of purple, pink, orange, yellow, or white flowers and is often used as both a perennial and annual in warmer climates. Lantana is considered deer-resistant and drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for novice gardeners and those with dry gardens. Lantana does best when it receives full sunlight, regular water, and fertilizer. It is generally a low-maintenance plant, and is able to tolerate both high and low temperatures. Homeowners in Zone 9 can also enjoy lantana in a number of ways – it can be used as a border along pathways or gardens, as a ground cover, or in containers. Lantana is also known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, making it an ideal choice for the environmentally conscious gardener. Pruning is necessary to keep lantana tidy, with it generally done around early summer. As a tropical species, lantana will die back to the ground when temperatures drop to freezing; however, it will typically bloom again in the spring.
