Why Compare Lantana and Verbena?
Both lantana and verbena are vibrant, sun-loving plants known for their trailing habits and pollinator appeal. They thrive in containers, hanging baskets, and borders, spilling over edges with long-lasting color from late spring to frost. But while they look similar at first glance, they differ in texture, climate tolerance, maintenance needs, and design impact.
Can you plant lantana and verbena together? Yes! Their different strengths complement one another beautifully in larger mixed containers or borders.
Here’s a side-by-side look to help you choose the right “spiller” for your zone, style, and planting goals.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Lantana | Verbena |
| Zones | 9–11 (annual elsewhere) | 7–10 (grown as annual in cooler zones) |
| Bloom Season | Early summer to frost (12–16 weeks) | Late spring to frost (10–14 weeks) |
| Growth Habit | Mounding or trailing, woody stems | Low-growing or trailing, softer stems |
| Sunlight | Full sun | Full sun to light shade |
| Drought Tolerance | High | Moderate |
| Pollinator Appeal | Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds | Butterflies, bees |
| Deer Resistance | Yes | No |
| Fragrance | Light citrusy scent (some varieties) | Lightly sweet (in some hybrids) |
| Maintenance | Very low—no deadheading needed | Moderate—may need deadheading |
When to Choose Lantana
Choose lantana if you:
- Need a super low-maintenance plant for hot, dry areas
- Want a trailing plant with bold, multi-colored blooms
- Prefer a spiller that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
- Need a deer-resistant solution for open spaces
Top Uses: Hanging baskets, dry garden borders, xeriscaping, southern patios
Zones: Best in Zones 9–11, grown as annual in Zones 4–8
Design Tip: Pair with drought-tolerant thrillers like salvia, dusty miller, or purple fountain grass.
Try: Lantana (center) + trailing sweet potato vine + upright blue salvia for a bold summer combo in a 14” basket.
When to Choose Verbena
Choose verbena if you:
- Prefer a soft-textured plant with more pastel or uniform bloom tones
- Want a spiller for part-sun locations or smaller containers
- Enjoy flowers that rebloom with light maintenance
- Live in cooler zones and need early-to-late season color
Top Uses: Window boxes, mixed containers, edging, cottage gardens
Zones: Perennial in Zones 7–10, annual in Zones 3–6
Design Tip: Mix with petunias, calibrachoa, nemesia, or trailing lobelia for a lush, cottage-style effect.
Try: Verbena + trailing bacopa + upright snapdragon for a romantic spring-to-summer combo in a 12” container.
Final Thoughts: Can You Use Both?
Absolutely! Lantana and verbena pair beautifully together when used in large containers or layered borders. Lantana offers vibrant punch and drought-resilience, while verbena adds softness and color continuity. They’re also a dream team for attracting pollinators all season long.
Download our printable guide: “Lantana vs. Verbena: Choose Your Spiller”
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Show off your favorite spiller combo! Tag @Greenmuse with #SpillerShowdown or vote in our poll:
🔘 #TeamLantana
🔘 #TeamVerbena
🔘 #MixAndMatchMagic
