Landscape Uses
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South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Once established (12–18 months), Lantana is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Extremely drought tolerant. Water 1-2x per week during establishment only. After establishment (6-12 months), virtually no supplemental irrigation needed in South Florida. Overwatering increases invasive seed production and disease susceptibility.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: Light balanced slow-release fertilizer — minimal applications only
Schedule: Light application in February only — avoid high fertilizer that promotes excessive seed production.
Salt Tolerance
Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.
- Mature Height
- 3–8 ft
- Mature Width
- 3–8 ft
- Growth Rate
- fast
- Water Demand
- 1/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida
- Installed Cost
- $
- USDA Zones
- 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- FLEPPC Category I
- Iguana Rating
- 6/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Lantana at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Lantana grow in South Florida?
Lantana has a fast growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Lantana safe for pets?
Lantana is not safe for pets. TOXIC to dogs, cats, and livestock. Berries and foliage contain lantadene compounds causing hepatotoxicity (liver damage), photosensitization, and GI distress. Berries are attractive to animals and children. This is a significant toxicity risk — advise all pet-owning clients clearly before installation.
How much water does Lantana need in South Florida?
Low water needs (1/10). Once established (12–18 months), Lantana is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Can Lantana tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Lantana has high salt tolerance (7/10) and is well-suited for coastal South Florida, including areas with salt air in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe counties.
Is Lantana available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Lantana is classified as: allowed. Allowed but FLEPPC Category I invasive.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Allowed but FLEPPC Category I invasive. Miami-Dade DERM does not currently prohibit Lantana camara but its Category I status reflects documented escape and naturalization throughout South Florida.
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Allowed. FLEPPC Category I invasive — avoid near Broward County natural areas and conservation lands.
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Allowed. FLEPPC Category I invasive — avoid near natural areas.
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Allowed. FLEPPC Category I invasive — extreme caution given Collier County's proximity to Everglades, Big Cypress, and Fakahatchee Strand.
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Allowed. FLEPPC Category I invasive — critical concern in Monroe County given the Florida Keys' extraordinary ecological sensitivity.
USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.
View County Guide →Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.
Need a Spec Sheet?
Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.
Ask about Lantana
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.