Weeping Lantana Colors

Purple Trailing Lantana

• Another name for weeping lantana is purple trailing lantana, the most widely grown form of the species. A profusion of tight flower clusters, each cluster blooming for a long time, stars the foliage every month of the year. In winter the dark green leaves add more color by assuming a purple tint, sometimes so dark it looks blackish-purple. Look closely at the 1 1/2-inch-wide flower clusters and you'll see that each small tubular flower within the cluster has a whitish area that surrounds a central yellow eye. Butterflies stand on a flower cluster, probing each yellow-targeted flower throat with their long, slender tongues. Grow this undemanding, drought-tolerant plant in full sun for best flowering.

"White Lightnin'"

• Similar in growth habit to lavender-flowered trailing lantana, "White Lightnin'" trailing lantana (Lantana sellowiana "Monma") has white flowers against gray-green foliage. Its cool, neutral flower color makes a good foil for clumps of brightly colored summer annuals. Its low growth and fine texture contrasts with more dramatic plants such as ornamental grasses or lilies. Developed in 1990 by a California nursery, "White Lightnin'" does well spilling over planters or trailing from raised beds. Space plants 5 feet apart for continuous coverage. In cooler weather, the flowers may show a purplish tint. Flower buds may show some pink color.

"Lavender Swirl"

• Combining the colors of both purple and "White Lightnin'" in one plant, "Lavender Swirl" (Lantana sellowiana "Monswee") has solid purple and solid white flowers growing on the same plant. With the same growing habits as other forms of trailing lantana, "Lavender Swirl" shares similar dimensions of 8 to 12 inches tall and 3 to 6 feet wide. It provides erosion control on slopes or banks and is deer resistant. Water plants regularly during the first growing season to establish deep, extensive root systems. To keep plants to size, prune the shrubs in spring.

Distinctive Leaves

• Trailing lantana has leaves with a characteristic smell when handled or bruised. Some people find the smell unpleasant, and others don't mind the odor. Some people are sensitive to the leaves, which can cause dermatitis. Wear gloves when handling the plant. Some species of lantana can become invasive, especially in warm-winter areas of the country. The unripe, green berries are toxic if eaten. Ripe black berries are not toxic and attract birds. Larry Hodgson, in his book "Annuals for Every Purpose," suggests not eating lantana berries at all so you don't accidentally ingest an unripe berry.