What Makes Lantana Troublesome? Unveiling the Unexpected Aspects of This Prolific Blossom
Lantana offers a constant show of vivid, tiny, tube-shaped blossoms throughout summer. This captivating, trailing plant draws in butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds due to its vibrant display in various hues, such as pink, red, purple, yellow, white, and orange. The flowers initially appear lighter in color and transform into more intense tones as they mature.
While it can be an attractive and low-maintenance ornament in your garden, lantana might not be suitable for every climate. Unfortunately, in certain regions, this plant is considered an invasive species that can outperform desired plants for nutrients. Experts in gardening share insights into why lantana is problematic in specific areas and suggest remedies if it takes over your landscape.
- Ankit K. Singh, Associate Professor of Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension
- Tom Groves, Senior Botanist at BSC Group and certified ecological restoration practitioner
- Hannah Howland, a MELNA-certified sustainable landscape expert and perennials manager at Plants Unlimited in Rockport, Maine
What is Lantana?
Lantana belongs to the genus of flowering plants in the Verbena family, Verbenaceae. Originating from tropical areas of Central and South America, lantana grows clusters of small, brightly colored flowers that attract pollinators. The drought-tolerant plant thrives in various climates and can be grown in both gardens and containers, according to Ankit K. Singh, a professor at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Popular lantana varieties include Lantana camara and Lantana montevidensis.
Is Lantana Invasive?
Despite its stunning appearance, lantana is highly invasive in various locales, particularly in Hawaii, California, Texas, and Florida, as well as other tropical and subtropical climates. Lantana camara is a classified invasive species in over 60 countries and is regarded as one of the world's top ten worst invasive species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) according to Singh.
Its rapid growth, ability to thrive in poor soil, as well as its capability to outperform native species contribute to its aggressive dispersal in natural habitats. However, in regions with frigid winters, lantana typically behaves as an annual.
How Lantana Harms the Landscape
Although the cheery, long-blooming flowers appear harmless, this plant can negatively impact your garden and landscape.
Eliminates Competition for Native Plants
By forming dense clusters of flowers, lantana prevents sunlight from reaching native plants and consumes water and nutrients, leaving little for other plants. It can significantly reduce biodiversity by displacing native flora.
Toxic to Animals
The leaves and unripe berries of lantana are toxic to many animals, such as cattle, horses, cats, dogs, causing serious health problems if ingested.
Soil Allelopathy
Lantana releases chemicals into the soil that inhibit the growth of nearby plants, causing an imbalance in the ecosystem.
Wildfire Risk
The plant's dry leaves and woody stems are highly flammable, contributing to the spread of wildfires in invaded areas.
Difficult to Control
Lantana's invasive roots can spread rapidly, making it challenging to control in home gardens. Regular pruning and maintenance are required to prevent it from dominating landscapes.
Eliminating Lantana
The best approach to managing an invasive species is to refrain from planting them, says botanist Tom Groves. However, if you find yourself faced with an existing invasive plant problem, it can be controlled through mechanical or chemical methods if handled correctly.
Hand Pulling Lantana Plants
By carefully digging up the plants and ensuring the entire root system is removed, hand pulling is an effective technique to remove this invasive plant from the ground, says Hannah Howland, perennials manager at Plants Unlimited. Dispose of the plant material in the trash. To avoid further spread, do not compost lantana.
Before beginning hand-pulling, make sure to wear necessary protective equipment, such as gardening gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, closed-toed shoes, and eye protection. Tom Groves warns of skin irritation caused by the plant species.
Remove Seeds Before Germination
If any lantana plants have produced seeds, locate and remove the round black seeds before they can germinate. Dispose of the seeds in the trash to minimize spread.
Regularly Inspect Your Landscape
Regularly inspect your landscape for lantana, paying special attention to areas that have recently been disturbed by the plant. Remove lantana plants before they flower or produce seeds. Monitor for any missed plants during the next growing season.
Use an Herbicide
For larger infestations, mow or cut the lantana plants and then quickly apply an herbicide. Larger populations may be more effectively controlled using chemical methods like foliar and cut-stump applications, says Tom Groves.
Hire a Professional
If you're unable or lack motivation to address the issue, a professional can treat lantana effectively. A professional can also advise the most suitable method to tackle lantana. Based on the severity of the problem, consider hiring a professional if the population is extensive (1 acre or more).
Martha Stewart, renowned for her gardening expertise, advises homeowners to be cautious when planting lantana in their flower gardens due to its invasive nature in certain regions. Despite its ability to attract various pollinators with its vibrant flowers, the flower gardens of Hannah Howland, a MELNA-certified sustainable landscape expert, have had to make room for alternative plants after dealing with the aggressive growth of lantana.
