Garden natureProbable identification
A closer look at the planted landscape
Trailing Lantana
Likely Lantana montevidensis or a related garden hybrid
A familiar spill of purple along sunny walls and garden edges—and a busy little nectar stop for butterflies.
Notice
Look for tight clusters of lavender flowers, textured leaves with toothed edges, and stems that spread or cascade rather than standing upright.
In the garden
Trailing lantana is a drought-tolerant ornamental groundcover. It is widely planted in warm coastal landscapes, but it is not native to Santa Barbara.
Who visits
The small tubular flowers offer nectar to butterflies and other pollinating insects. Pause near a flowering patch and watch before moving closer.