Lantana montevidensis [lan-TAN-a, mon-tay-vid-EN-sis] is a low-growing shrub spreading up to 10′ feet across and only reaches about 18″ inches tall. This cascading Lantana is commonly called purple trailing lantana due to the trailing growth and clusters of purple flowers.The plant is native to various subtropical regions of South America and is often grown in California to protect against soil erosion on dry hillsides.The flowering shrub belongs to the Lantana genus, which includes about 150 species. While it’s an easy plant to cultivate, purple trailing lantana requires a few considerations for optimal growth.
Lantana montevidensis is a low-maintenance plant, requiring moderate watering and medium moisture. After the plant becomes established, it needs watering only occasionally.
Purple trailing lantana can grow in full sun to partial shade. It’s often grown as ground cover with taller plants providing moderate shade for the low-growing shrub.
Fertilize the trailing lantana lightly with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring following pruning.
Grow purple trailing lantana in well-drained soil. Slightly sandy and dry soil works best. Adding sand to regular potting soil increases drainage and helps create the right conditions for the plant.
Cut the trailing lantana back hard in late winter or early spring once all danger of cold weather has passed, cutting all of the plant's branches back to about 12 inches away from the lantana's base.
The plant is best suited for outdoor growth in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10. In regions experiencing temperatures close to freezing, cover the top of the soil with mulch before winter.
