Lantana montevidensis aka Purple Lantana

Taxonomy

Lantana montevidensis, also known as trailing lantana, weeping lantana, creeping lantana, small lantana, purple lantana, or trailing shrubverbena, is a spreading, mat-forming evergreen shrub native to South America. It features slender, hairy stems and small toothed leaves that emit an unpleasant fragrance when crushed. This low-growing shrub, reaching about 18 inches tall and spreading up to 10 feet across, is commonly referred to as purple trailing lantana due to its cascading growth and clusters of purple flowers. It is often cultivated in California to combat soil erosion on dry hillsides. As a member of the Lantana genus, which encompasses approximately 150 species, purple trailing lantana requires specific considerations for optimal growth.

Common names

Purple Lantana, Wild Verbena, Trailing Lantana

How to care for Purple Lantana

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Purple Lantana is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Purple Lantana should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Purple Lantana loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Purple Lantana requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Wild Verbena is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Purple Lantana to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Purple Lantana is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.


More info:
Wikipedia