Have you ever seen lantana plants and wondered if they were flowers or plants? These beautiful plants are actually a type of flower, and there are many plants that look like lantana. In this blog post, we will discuss twelve plants that look like lantana. We will also provide pictures of each plant so you can easily identify them!
Table of Contents
How to identify Lantana camara?
Lantana plants are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. They are typically small shrubs that can grow up to six feet tall. The leaves of lantana plants are oval-shaped and have a serrated (toothed) edge.
The easiest way to distinguish Lantana plants from other plants is by their flowers. Lantana plants have clusters of small, trumpet-shaped blooms that are typically orange, yellow, pink, purple, or white in color. The blooms of lantana plants are also very fragrant!
If you look at the flowers from a distance they can resemble ball-shaped or even human brain coral shapes at a glance. but in a closer look, you will notice the color variation of the cluster which makes the flowers so delicate to the eyes.
What are the benefits of Lantana Camara and why do people grow them?
Lantana plants are known for being heat-tolerant and drought-resistant, which makes them ideal plants for growing in hot, dry climates. They are also very low-maintenance and can be left to grow without much care or attention.
Lantana plants are also prized for their beauty and their ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The colorful blooms of lantana plants make them a popular addition to gardens and landscapes.
Lantana plants usually grow in purpose to attract these animals so they can help with pollination; however, lantana plants are also known to be poisonous to humans and animals if ingested in large quantities.
Plants that look like Lantana.
1. Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Butterfly weed is a type of milkweed that is native to the United States. This plant gets its name from the fact that it is a favorite food source for monarch butterflies. Butterfly weed plants have long, narrow leaves and clusters of bright orange or yellow blooms.
Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is often mistaken for lantana camara because of their visual similarities. Both plants are flowering perennials that produce clusters of small, vibrant blooms.
However, there are a few key differences between these two plants. Butterfly weed typically has orange or yellow flowers, while lantana camara has reddish-orange flowers.
In addition, lantana leaves are hairy and have a strong scent, while butterfly weed leaves are smooth with a more subdued smell.
Finally, lantana produces berries that are poisonous to humans, while butterfly weed does not. Despite their similarities, these two plants are not related and can be easily distinguished with a closer look.
2. Prairie Verbena (Glandularia bipinnatifada)
Prairie verbena is a flowering plant that is native to the United States. This plant gets its name from the fact that it often grows in prairies and other open, grassy areas. Prairie verbena plants have small, oval-shaped leaves and clusters of purple or pink blooms.
Prairie Verbena (Glandularia bipinnatifada) and Lantana camara are both flowering plants that are often used in landscaping. They can both tolerate a range of environmental conditions and produce vibrant flowers.
However, Prairie Verbena is often mistaken for Lantana camara due to their similar appearance. Both plants have compound leaves with small leaflets, and their flowers grow in clusters. The flowers of Lantana camara are typically orange or yellow, while those of Prairie Verbena are pink or purple. Prairie Verbena is also more tolerant of cold temperatures than Lantana camara.
3. Texas Lantana (Lantana horrida)
Texas lantana is a type of lantana that is native to the southwestern United States. This plant gets its name from the fact that it often grows in Texas. Texas lantana plants have small, oval-shaped leaves and clusters of orange or yellow blooms.
There are several reasons why Texas lantana (Lantana horrida) is often mistaken as Lantana camara.
For one, they are both members of the verbena family and share a similar appearance. Both have compound leaves with clusters of small flowers that can range in color from yellow to orange to pink.
Moreover, lantanas are known for being highly invasive, and Texas lantana is no exception. It can easily take over gardens and yards, crowding out other plants. Finally, the two species have similar growing conditions and are often found in the same habitats, which can further contribute to confusion.
However, there are some key ways to tell them apart. Texas lantana has stinging hairs on its leaves and stems, while L. camara does not. Additionally, the flowers of Texas lantana are borne in axillary cymes, while those of L. camara are borne in terminal cymes. With a closer look, it is easy to see that these two lantanas are not one and the same.
4. Royal Cape Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata)
Royal cape plumbago is a flowering plant that is native to South Africa. This plant gets its name from the fact that it was once a favorite of royalty in Cape Town. Royal cape plumbago plants have long, narrow leaves and clusters of blue or purple blooms.
The flowers that look like lantana that is often mistaken as Lantana camara (a close relative to the Verbena family). The main reasons for this confusion are that both plants have a very similar appearance and they share the same habitat.
Royal Cape has lanceolate leaves that are arranged in pairs along the stem, while Lantana camara has leaves that are more ovate in shape and arranged in threes. The flowers of Royal Cape are typically blue or white, while those of Lantana camara is typically orange or yellow.
5. Strawberry Shake (Hydrangea arborescens)
Strawberry shake hydrangea is a type of hydrangea that is native to the southeastern United States. This plant gets its name from the fact that its blooms resemble strawberries. Strawberry shake hydrangea plants have large, oval-shaped leaves and clusters of pink or white blooms.
Strawberry Shake (Hydrangea arborescens) is often mistaken as Lantana camara because of its lantana-like appearance. The leaves are toothed and the flowers are small and white, which can mislead people into thinking it is a lantana.
However, Strawberry Shake is actually a type of hydrangea. It is native to the southeastern United States and grows best in full sun or partial shade. Strawberry Shake blooms from June to September, whereas lantana typically blooms from May to October.
So, if you see flowers that look like lantana blooming in late summer or early fall, it is most likely Strawberry Shake.
6. Sparkler Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum)
Sparkler arrowwood viburnum is a type of viburnum that is native to the United States. This plant gets its name from the fact that its blooms resemble sparklers. Sparkler arrowwood viburnum plants have large, oval-shaped leaves and clusters of white or cream-colored blooms.
Sparkler Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum) is a lantana look alike. It is often mistaken as Lantana camara because of its small white flowers that bloom in the summer. The two plants are actually quite different.
Sparkler Arrowwood is a native plant to North America, while Lantana camara is native to South America. In addition, Sparkler Arrowwood is a deciduous shrub, while Lantana camara is an evergreen shrub. While both plants are beautiful, they are not the same.
7. Snow on the Mountain (Euphorbia marginata)
Snow on the Mountain is a lantana look alike, and it’s just as heat and drought-tolerant. It gets its name from the delicate white flowers that bloom all summer long, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The flowers are borne on red stems that contrast beautifully with the green leaves.
Snow on the Mountain grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 3 feet tall and wide. Once established, it’s quite a drought tolerant. As with all lantanas, it’s best to prune back Snow on the Mountain in late winter to encourage new growth.
8. Seaside Serenade Lantana (Lantana montevidensis)
The Seaside Serenade lantana (Lantana montevidensis) is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to South America. It is closely related to the common lantana (Lantana camara), but it has a number of unique features that set it apart. For instance, the Seaside Serenade lantana has pale yellow flowers with purple spots, while the common lantana has orange or red flowers.
Additionally, the Seaside Serenade lantana is a trailing plant, meaning it will spread outwards rather than upwards like the common lantana. Finally, the Seaside Serenade lantana is more tolerant of salt and wind than its cousin, making it an ideal choice for coastal gardens.
So, next time you’re at the nursery, be sure to look for the Seaside Serenade lantana – you won’t be disappointed!
9. Chocolate Fountain Sedum (Sedum spurium)
The Chocolate Fountain Sedum (Sedum spurium) is a lantana look-alike that is native to the southeastern United States. It is a herbaceous perennial that typically grows in clumps and reaches 12-18 inches in height. The leaves are alternate, lanceolate, and have a chocolate brown hue. The plant produces small, white flowers from June to September.
The Chocolate Fountain Sedum is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. It is relatively easy to care for and does not require much maintenance. However, it is important to note that this plant can be poisonous if ingested, so care should be taken if young children or pets are present.
10. Raspberry Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
The Raspberry Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a lantana look alike. It has small, dark green leaves and blooms in the summer with purple flowers. The fruit is small and red, and it ripens in the fall. The plant is native to Asia and is related to the crepe myrtle. It grows in full sun and prefers well-drained soil.
Raspberry Crape Myrtle is an evergreen shrub that can reach a height of 6 feet. It is drought-tolerant and does not require much maintenance. This plant makes an excellent addition to any landscape, and it is also deer resistant.
11. La Barbe Bleue Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
The La Barbe Bleue Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is a lantana look-alike with large, showy flowers. It is native to the southeastern United States and is commonly found in woodlands and along roadside ditches. The plant gets its name from its blue flowers, which are produced in late summer and early fall.
The flower heads are up to 8 inches in diameter and contain both male and female flowers. The plant is also known for its attractive green foliage, which turns red in the fall. The La Barbe Bleue Hydrangea is a popular landscaping plant and can be found in many home gardens.
12. Coconut Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia fauriei)
The Coconut Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia fauriei) is a lantana look alike. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The Coconut Crape Myrtle has glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of white flowers that bloom from late summer to fall.
The fruit of the Coconut Crape Myrtle is a small, dark-colored drupe. This plant is native to China and Japan and is hardy in zones 7-10. The Coconut Crape Myrtle prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-, wind-, and heat-tolerant and makes an excellent choice for hedges, screens, or foundation plantings.
Conclusion
Lantana camara is a popular ornamental plant that can be found in many gardens and landscapes. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. The plant is drought-tolerant and does not require much maintenance.
Lantana camara can be used in a variety of garden settings, including tropical gardens, butterfly gardens, and herb gardens. If you are looking for a plant that looks like lantana, be sure to check out the plants on this list. You won’t be disappointed!
Gardening is my passion and growing plants indoors has always been a stress relief for me. Grow a banana tree in my apartment once (although failed to produce bananas).
