Texas Lantana (Lantana horrida)

Texas lantana (Lantana horrida, syn. L. urticoides) is a tough, native Texas shrub prized for its long season of colorful flower clusters and exceptional heat and drought tolerance. A member of the Verbenaceae family, it's a staple in water-wise landscapes.

Description

Deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub 3–6 feet tall and wide with a spreading, mounding habit. Stems are rough, prickly. Leaves are ovate, toothed, rough-textured, aromatic when crushed. Flowers are small, tubular, borne in dense, flat-topped clusters (umbels) that change color as they age—typically yellow to orange to red—creating a multicolor effect. Blooms from spring to frost. Berries are blue-black, toxic.

Growing Conditions

• Zones: 8–11 (root-hardy to zone 7 with mulch).
• Light: Full sun.
• Soil: Well-drained; thrives in poor, rocky, alkaline soils.
• Water: Very low once established. Regular water only first year.
• Heat: Exceptional heat tolerance.

Care & Maintenance

Prune hard in late winter (to 6–12 inches) to rejuvenate and control size. Light shear after flushes encourages more blooms. No fertilizer needed. Avoid overwatering. Propagate from cuttings or seed.

Uses

Xeriscapes, native plant gardens, butterfly gardens, slopes, and hot, dry sites. Excellent for erosion control. Deer-resistant.

Cautions

Berries are toxic. Can be aggressive in ideal conditions; deadhead to reduce self-seeding. Prickly stems—site away from paths.

Potential Issues

Lace bugs can cause leaf stippling. Powdery mildew in humid, shady conditions. Generally very tough.

A true Texas tough plant that delivers nonstop color with minimal input.