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Velvet Lantana

Lantana velutina

Last reviewed: June 2026

Velvet Lantana (Lantana velutina)
Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Center for Urban Ecology

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

TX

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Velvet Lantana is a low-growing native wildflower with soft, velvety leaves and small clustered blooms. This compact annual typically stays under 2 feet tall and works well as a colorful groundcover or border plant in sunny areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Velvet Lantana is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

  • Requires seasonal replanting
  • May have messy dieback

Wildlife value

Attracts butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers. The seeds provide food for small birds and wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Velvet Lantana need?
Velvet Lantana grows best in full sun conditions.
Where is Velvet Lantana native?
Velvet Lantana (Lantana velutina) is native to TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Velvet Lantana HOA-friendly?
Velvet Lantana is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Velvet Lantana? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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