How to Grow White Lantana
Wikimedia Commons
White Lantana
Lantana camara var. aculeata 'White'
shrubWhite Lantana is a tropical flowering shrub known for its clusters of small white flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It's a heat and drought-tolerant plant that blooms prolifically throughout warm seasons with minimal maintenance. The plant features dark green, textured foliage and can grow into a substantial landscape specimen.
When should you plant White Lantana in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example White Lantana timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant White Lantana
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest White Lantana
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact White Lantana dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8b-11; can be grown as annual or container plant in cooler zones
Sign up free to see if White Lantana grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my White Lantana timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksYoung plants develop their first true leaves and establish root systems.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light. Thin seedlings or transplant when 2-3 inches tall.
Establishment
4-6 weeksPlant develops sturdy stems and fuller foliage; begins branching outward.
Gradually introduce to full sun. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushier growth. Water regularly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksVigorous stem and leaf development; plant reaches desired size and shape.
Prune or pinch back as needed to shape plant and encourage branching. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly. Continue regular watering.
Flowering
8-20 weeks (or longer in warm climates)Abundant clusters of white flowers appear at branch tips; blooms continuously in warm weather.
Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage more blooms. Apply low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Maintain consistent watering.
Dormancy/Winter
2-4 months depending on locationIn frost-prone areas, plant loses foliage and becomes dormant; in tropical zones, may continue light blooming.
Reduce watering significantly. Prune back dead wood after frost. In zone 8, mulch heavily around base for winter protection. Can be brought indoors as houseplant.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce natural predators like ladybugs
-
Spray with neem oil or horticultural oil; remove heavily infested leaves; encourage beneficial insects
-
Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe
-
Spray with insecticidal soap or rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs; isolate affected plants
Uses
Butterfly & Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeWhite Lantana's abundant small flowers are irresistible to butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial pollinators. It serves as a valuable nectar source throughout the warm growing season. [source]
Low-Maintenance Landscape Shrub
HouseholdOnce established, White Lantana requires minimal fertilizer, pesticide, or frequent watering, making it excellent for xeriscaping and water-conservation gardens. Its drought tolerance reduces maintenance demands in hot climates. [source]
Herbal Tea & Traditional Medicine
CulinaryIn traditional medicine, particularly in Latin America and Africa, Lantana leaves and flowers are used to prepare herbal teas believed to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Some cultures use it for fever relief and digestive support. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftThe delicate white flower clusters make attractive additions to fresh and dried floral arrangements. Flowers last well in water and dry beautifully for long-lasting displays. [source]
Bird Fruit Source
WildlifeAfter flowering, Lantana develops small berries that ripen from green to purple-black, providing valuable food for birds including cardinals and mockingbirds during fall and winter. [source]
Harvest Tips
Lantana is primarily grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly to promote continuous blooming. For seed collection, allow some flowers to mature and dry on plant in late season, then collect dried seed clusters. Can be cut for fresh arrangements.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 White Lantana is native to tropical regions of the Americas and Africa, and has become naturalized in many warm parts of the world. It's sometimes considered invasive in certain ecosystems due to its vigorous growth and prolific seed production.
- 🌱 The flowers of Lantana change color as they age—even in white varieties, individual flowers may show subtle cream or pale yellow tones as they mature, creating a multi-tonal cluster effect that's highly attractive to pollinators.
- 🌱 Lantana leaves have a distinctive slightly musky or acrid scent when brushed or crushed, which serves as a natural deterrent to some pests and may contribute to the plant's remarkable pest resistance.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized White Lantana planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start White Lantana seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my White Lantana timeline →