This article explores two of these species – Verbena (Verbena officinalis) and Lantana (Lantana camara). You will discover just how unique the two are.
Verbena vs. Lantana: Comparison
It is helpful to break the characteristics of verbena and lantana into categories to understand how they compare. The chart below explores these categories to highlight how the plants are similar and how they differ. Verbena (Verbena officinalis) and lantana (Lantana camara) plants are both perennials in warmer climates and members of the Verbenaceae family. But that is where their similarities end. They have distinct differences in the origin, size, leaves, flowers, and growing requirements. Below, we will explore each of these categories in greater detail.
Verbena vs. Lantana: Origins
The true origin of verbena is a bit murky. Some sources point to the Mediterranean region as its native home. Others suggest it originated in Europe, western Asia, or northern Africa. And yet another source believes verbena is native to the Americas. Lantana, on the other hand, is known to be native to tropical areas of Central and South America. However, it has spread and become naturalized in parts of the southeastern US, including Florida.
Verbena vs. Lantana: Size
While verbena and lantana can have similar spreads, their height is drastically different. Verbena tops out at around 4 feet tall. But lantana can grow up to a surprising 6 feet tall.
Verbena vs. Lantana: Leaves
Verbena officinalis leaves grow together in a relatively short, squat clump. They develop tightly together and form a lovely base below the stalks that showcase their flowers. The leaves are long, reaching up to 5 inches, and lance-shaped. Additionally, they are dark green and serrated. While the leaves of Lantana camara are also dark-green, that is where the similarities end. Lantana leaves grow slightly shorter than verbena leaves, coming in around 4 inches maximum. They are ovate, toothed, and slightly wrinkled. But they do come with a bonus. If you gently bruise lantana leaves, they will reward you with a highly aromatic scent.
Verbena vs. Lantana: Flowers
The lovely flowers of both plants bloom at similar times. Verbena blossoms will show up around June, while lantana blossoms arrive a month later. Both stick around until the first frost. But the flowers themselves vary greatly. Verbena flowers will treat you with a gorgeous lavender or rose-violet display. Clusters of tiny flowers appear at the end of long, 4-angled stems that protrude from the clump of leaves. In contrast, lantana flowers come in a broader color range. You may find them in reds, whites, yellows, oranges, and purple. And even better, some of the flower clusters have a mixture of colors that truly delight the senses. Lantana flowers have five lobes, and their dense clusters can reach up to 2 inches in diameter.
Verbena vs. Lantana: Growing Requirements
Verbena needs well-draining soil kept evenly moist and full sun. The soil quality is not as important, since it can thrive in less-than-optimal conditions. You can sow the seeds directly or start them indoors. Lantana plants need well-draining soils, full sun, and have moderate watering requirements. It prefers soil with a clay or sandy consistency and a neutral pH. If you have a favorite plant, you can take a cutting and propagate next year’s plant from it. Lantana is typically grown as bedding or ground cover. But you can grow them in containers if you would like. Just be prepared to prune your plant regularly.
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The above-ground parts of verbena, known as vervain, are traditionally used in herbalism. It is used to treat depression, mild gum disease, and swelling in the nasal passages. What family is verbena in? Verbena is part of the large Verbenaceae family. There are 32 genera and 800 species within the Verbenaceae family. Is lantana toxic to humans? Yes. Unlike its relative, verbena, all parts of lantana are toxic to humans. Use caution if you have kids or pets that hang out in your garden. Does lantana smell good? That depends on who you ask. The plant does not have a distinguishable aroma when it is undisturbed. However, when you brush against them or gently bruise the leaves, they will release a strong scent. Some say it is aromatic, but others describe it as highly unpleasant.
