Lantana trifolia
Three-leaved lantana is a tropical shrub grown as much for its purple fruit spikes as for its lavender flowers. It stands out for leaves in whorls of three and for the popcorn-like clusters of fruit that follow bloom. It performs best in full sun and average, well-drained soils with steady summer heat. In cooler regions it is grown as an annual or kept in containers and overwintered indoors. It flowers from spring into fall when given warmth and sun.
At‑a‑glance
Group/Class: Species; woody shrub
Height × spread: 2 to 5 ft (0.6 to 1.5 m) × 1 to 3 ft (0.3 to 0.9 m)
Bloom window: spring to fall in warm climates
Color & flower form: flattened clusters of small lavender to white tubular flowers; elongated purple fruit spikes after bloom
Fragrance: 0 none
USDA hardiness: evergreen in zones 9 to 11; root-hardy near 8b; grown as annual elsewhere
Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown; native from Mexico to tropical America
Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Leaves are typically in whorls of three rather than opposite pairs.
- Showy purple fruit is a key ornamental feature.
- Upright and narrow compared to spreading lantanas.
- Less commonly offered than Lantana camara in garden centers.
Strengths
- Heat tolerant with long bloom when grown in sun.
- Compact enough for containers and small spaces.
- Provides nectar and fruit interest for wildlife gardens.
Care in one minute
- Provide full sun and well-drained soil of average fertility.
- Water to establish, then allow the surface to dry between waterings.
- Use light spring feeding; excessive nitrogen reduces flowering.
- Pinch young stems to encourage branching and more flower heads.
- Before frost, move containers indoors to a bright, cool room or take cuttings.
Watch‑outs
- Foliage, fruit, and sap are poisonous if eaten.
- Frost and hard freezes will kill top growth; protect or overwinter containers.
- Needs full sun; shade reduces flowering.
Best uses (tags)
containers, borders, pollinators, fruit-interest, heat-tolerant
Provenance note
Native from Mexico through the West Indies and much of tropical America, this species is grown ornamentally for both flowers and fruit. It is sometimes sold under the common name Lavender Popcorn lantana.
References
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox – Lantana trifolia
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder – Lantana trifolia
- USDA PLANTS – Lantana trifolia
- Clemson University HGIC – Lantana (includes notes on L. trifolia)
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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