Common lantana is an annual or perennial, small, broadleaf evergreen shrub in the Verbenaceae (verbena) family with woody stems but a sprawling habit. It is 1 to 6 feet high and 3 to 5 feet wide.

Lantana prefers full sun in moist, well-drained soil, but will tolerate poor soil and drought. It is known for its salt tolerance.

The showy flowers – attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators – appear from midsummer until the first frost and come in a wide range of colors.