Lantana Trailing White

Plant Overview

Trailing White Lantana (Lantana montevidensis ‘Alba’) is a vigorous, low-growing flowering perennial known for its clusters of delicate white blooms with cheerful yellow centers. Its spreading, vine-like stems and dense green foliage create an attractive cascading appearance, while its long flowering season provides abundant color throughout the warmer months. This heat-loving ornamental plant is admired for its drought tolerance, fragrant foliage, and ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators. Although well adapted to Florida's warm climate, trailing lantana has significant invasive potential and is not recommended by UF/IFAS for outdoor landscape planting. Its vigorous growth requires careful containment and maintenance.

Key Plant Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Lantana montevidensis ‘Alba’

• Common Names: Trailing White Lantana, White Trailing Lantana, Weeping Lantana

• Plant Type: Woody flowering perennial; commonly grown as an annual in colder climates

• Mature Height: Approximately 12–24 inches

• Mature Spread: Approximately 4–6 feet, potentially wider under favorable conditions

• Growth Rate: Fast-growing

• Growth Habit: Low-growing, spreading, trailing, and mat-forming

• Foliage: Small, aromatic, dark green leaves with a slightly textured surface

• Flowers: Clusters of small white blooms with yellow centers

• Blooming Season: Spring through fall, with nearly year-round flowering possible in frost-free conditions

• USDA Hardiness Zones: Generally 9–11

• Florida Growing Zones: Climatically suited to Zones 9–11, but classified as a high invasion risk throughout North, Central, and South Florida

• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

• Special Features: Heat-tolerant, drought-tolerant once established, extended flowering season, and attractive to butterflies and other pollinators

Plant Care Guide

• Sunlight: Requires full sun for healthy growth and abundant flowering. Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient sunlight may result in fewer blooms and less compact growth.

• Watering: Water regularly during establishment to encourage healthy root development. Once established, allow the upper 1–2 inches of soil to dry between waterings. Trailing White Lantana tolerates occasional drought but benefits from supplemental moisture during prolonged dry periods.

• Soil: Prefers sandy or loamy, well-draining soil. Avoid heavy, compacted, or consistently saturated conditions, as prolonged moisture can contribute to root rot.

• Fertilizing: Requires minimal supplemental fertilizer. If necessary, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer lightly during active growth. Excessive feeding may encourage foliage growth rather than flowering.

• Pruning: Trim spreading stems regularly to maintain a manageable shape and prevent unwanted growth. Remove damaged or overgrown stems as needed. Avoid allowing stems to establish roots outside their intended growing area.

• Cold Protection: Performs best in warm temperatures and frost-free conditions. Freezing weather may cause foliage damage or winter dieback, particularly in North and Central Florida. Container-grown plants can be moved to protected locations during cold snaps.

• Pests & Diseases: Monitor for whiteflies, aphids, spider mites, and lace bugs. Proper drainage and good air circulation help reduce potential fungal and root-related problems.

• Additional Care Tips: Trailing White Lantana spreads vigorously and should not be allowed to escape into surrounding landscapes or natural areas. Prevent stems from rooting outside containers and dispose of plant trimmings responsibly. All lantana should be kept away from pets and livestock because ingestion can cause poisoning.