Lantana involucrata
Buttonsage is a Florida native shrub with small, fragrant white flower heads. It stands out for bloom from spring through fall and for purple fruits that follow. It performs best in full sun and well-drained sandy or limestone soils. It is a good choice for frost-free coastal landscapes where a compact, wildlife-friendly shrub is needed. It is tender to frost and is not hardy outside the warmest parts of the Gulf Coast and South Florida.
At‑a‑glance
Group/Class: Species; woody shrub
Height × spread: up to 5 ft (1.5 m) × 3 to 6 ft (0.9 to 1.8 m)
Bloom window: spring through fall in warm climates
Color & flower form: creamy white clusters with yellow throat; showy purple drupes after bloom
Fragrance: 2 noticeable
USDA hardiness: grown as annual outside frost-free South Florida and the Keys
Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown; native to coastal South Florida and the West Indies
Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Fragrant white flowers instead of bold multicolors.
- More upright and compact than trailing species.
- Fruits are an ornamental feature that follow bloom.
- Best fit is frost-free coastal gardens rather than colder interiors.
Strengths
- Long bloom season in sun and heat.
- Drought tolerant once established on sandy or limestone soils.
- Supports butterflies and other pollinators.
- Responds well to light pruning to keep a dense shape.
Care in one minute
- Site in full sun with freely draining sand or limestone soils.
- Water to establish; then irrigate when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Use light spring feeding only; excess fertility reduces flowering.
- Tip-prune after waves of bloom to maintain density.
- Protect from frost or grow in containers that can be moved under cover.
Watch‑outs
- Not hardy where frosts are regular.
- All parts of lantana are considered toxic if eaten.
- Ensure sharp drainage to avoid decline in summer rains.
Best uses (tags)
borders, coastal, pollinators, heat-tolerant, wildlife
Provenance note
Native to coastal South Florida and the Caribbean rim, buttonsage occurs along strands, dunes, and hammocks. It is cultivated regionally for long bloom and wildlife value in frost-free gardens.
References
- Florida Museum – Button Sage (Lantana involucrata)
- UF/IFAS IRREC Garden Tool – Lantana involucrata
- USDA PLANTS – Lantana involucrata
- UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions – Lantana (general care and toxicity)
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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