Texas Lantana (Lantana urticoides) is a resilient, spreading shrub known for its vibrant red, orange, and yellow tubular flowers, which bloom from April to November. Reaching up to 6 feet in height, this plant thrives in poor, well-drained soils and is particularly well-suited for dry, exposed, and gravelly sites. Its crinkly leaves emit a sharp aroma when touched, and while mature stems may become thorny, they add to the plant's tough, durable nature. Texas Lantana is highly heat-tolerant and provides excellent summer color. It's a perfect choice for low to medium ground cover, particularly in wildlife-friendly gardens, as it attracts butterflies and birds while being highly deer-resistant. However, caution is needed as the blue-black fruit clusters are poisonous, and the leaves can cause a skin rash.
Scientific Name: Lantana urticoides
Origin: Texas, Arizona, Mexico
Height: 2 to 6 feet
Spread: 2 to 6 feet
Light: Full Sun
Water: Low
Blooms: April-November
USDA Zones: 8-10
