Purple Trailing Lantana
Best low-maintenance groundcover for butterfly-friendly, drought-tolerant landscapes.
The Purple Trailing Lantana is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub known for its ground-hugging habit, making it excellent for mass planting or as a 'spiller' in containers. It produces showy cymes of lightly-scented purple flowers from late spring through mid-fall, contrasting nicely with its fuzzy, green foliage that persists through winter. This plant is fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and highly adaptable to various soil types and urban pollution. It attracts butterflies and is generally left alone by deer. While low maintenance, be aware that parts of this species are toxic to humans and animals.
$11.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
61
/ 2656
#61 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-73%
Below average
lifespan
20
/ years
Who it's for
- Eco-conscious homeowners looking to support local butterfly and hummingbird populations
- Landscapers seeking cascading plants for walls, baskets, or groundcover
- Gardeners in arid climates needing low-maintenance, water-wise landscaping
Who should skip it
- Parents and pet owners concerned about accidental ingestion
- Gardeners in frost-free zones wanting low-maintenance, non-invasive plants
- Indoor or greenhouse growers looking to avoid pest management
Performance breakdown
Drought Resilience
Thrives in arid conditions with minimal supplemental watering requirements.
Pollinator Appeal
Reliably draws butterflies to the garden throughout the growing season.
Maintenance Ease
Fast-growing habit requires very little intervention to maintain its shape.
Urban Adaptability
Robust enough to handle city pollution and varied soil conditions.
Container Versatility
Excellent spiller habit creates beautiful visual depth in mixed arrangements.
Pet Safety
Toxicity concerns necessitate careful placement away from curious pets.
Key Specs
lifespan
20 years
growth rate
fast
height
24 inches/feet
spread
8 inches/feet
water needs
medium
soil drainage
Dry to Moist
drought tolerance
high
maintenance level
low
Features
- Showy cymes of lightly-scented purple flowers
- Fuzzy, pointy leaves remain green throughout winter
- Highly tolerant of urban pollution
- Excellent choice for xeriscape applications
- Well-suited as a 'spiller' in container combinations
- Attracts butterflies
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Purple Trailing Lantana, noting the plants arrive healthy and robust from Armstrong Garden Centers. The primary theme is reliability; users report continuous, vibrant blooming throughout the season, even in challenging heat. This lantana variety is highly valued for its hardiness and ability to quickly establish itself as effective ground cover or basket filler, making it a dependable choice for attracting butterflies and adding lasting color to the landscape.
Know before you buy
Yes, this plant features fuzzy, green foliage that persists throughout the winter months, providing year-round color even when it isn't in bloom.
Given its 8-foot spread, you should space these plants several feet apart to allow them room to trail and fill in the area effectively as they grow.
No, you should exercise caution. Parts of the Purple Trailing Lantana are toxic to both humans and animals if ingested, so it is best to plant it in areas where pets or children are not likely to graze.
While it has high drought tolerance and is excellent for xeriscaping, it performs best with medium water needs. Once established, it can handle drier conditions, but regular watering during the peak of summer will keep it looking its best.
Absolutely. The Purple Trailing Lantana is highly adaptable and specifically noted for its tolerance to urban pollution, making it a reliable choice for city gardens or roadside plantings.
Yes, the showy, lightly-scented purple flowers are a magnet for butterflies, making this an excellent choice if you are looking to support local pollinators in your garden.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$12