Plants Similar to Verbena & Lantana

Lantana and verbena plants feature distinctive spreading growth habits and flowers. These plants belong to the vervain family (Verbenaceae) of plants found in the subtropic and tropic Americas. Both plants produce pleasing clusters of small flowers in bright colors. Plants with similar growth and flowering tendencies allow gardeners to reap the benefits of these beautiful cultivars in different growing conditions.

Phlox

Creeping phlox exhibits a spreading growth habit similar to verbena and lantana. This plant grows in a mounded form and produces small blooms spaced throughout the plant. Creeping phlox reaches a mature height of 6 inches and can grow up to 2 feet wide. The border plant creeps along the soil surface and produces light green leaves. The plant produces flowers each spring in a range of colors including pink, white, violet or red with simple, five-petal flowers. Like the verbena and lantana, phlox serves as a perfect ground cover plant with both interesting foliage and flowers. Plant phlox in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. Shear or prune back spent blooms to promote foliage growth in the center of each plant.

Basket of Gold Aurinia

The perennial basket of gold spreads much like verbena and lantana to encompass a wide area in the garden bed. Basket of gold, also called aurinia, likes full sun and well-drained soil. This early bloomer produces flower in shade of yellow in April and May. Aurinia reaches heights of up to 18 inches and is prized for the cascading growth form of the plant. Flowers resemble lantana and verbena with tight, small flowers. Plant in zones 4 to 9 for best growing results. Gardeners commonly use basket of gold in rock gardens or as an edging plant.

Candytuft

Annual candytuft produces flower clusters similar to lantana. The groups of petals form bunches of long-lasting flowers when planted in full sun. Candytuft produces blooms in white, lilac or pink. Mature growth reaches up to 18 inches with a mounded growth habit. Candytuft works well as an edging or retaining wall plant that allows full display of the trailing growth habit of this plant. Plant candytuft in well-drained soil for best growing results. This plant also responds well to container environments. The perennial variety is called evergreen candytuft and grows best in hardiness zones 3 to 9. Candytuft respond well to pruning after blooming finishes to promote branching throughout the plant.