Florida Shrubverbena: A Rare Native Treasure Worth Protecting
Meet Florida shrubverbena (Lantana depressa var. floridana), one of those special native plants that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem. This little-known variety of Lantana is as rare as it is interesting, calling just a small corner of the southeastern United States home.
What Makes Florida Shrubverbena Special?
Florida shrubverbena is a native perennial shrub that belongs to the verbena family. Unlike its showier cousin, the common lantana you might see at garden centers, this native variety has stayed under the radar – perhaps a bit too much for its own good. It’s a multi-stemmed woody plant that typically stays modest in size, usually growing less than 13 to 16 feet tall, though most specimens remain much smaller.
You might also see this plant listed under its synonyms, Lantana bahamensis auct. non Britton or Lantana bahamensis Britton var. floridana Moldenke, which can make tracking down information about it feel like a botanical treasure hunt!
Where Does It Call Home?
This native beauty has a pretty exclusive address – you’ll only find Florida shrubverbena growing naturally in Florida and South Carolina. Its limited range is part of what makes it so special, but also part of what makes it vulnerable.
A Plant That Needs Our Help
Here’s where things get serious for a moment. Florida shrubverbena has a Global Conservation Status of S2T1, which signals that this plant is quite rare and potentially at risk. While we don’t have crystal-clear details on exactly how threatened it is, any plant with this kind of conservation status deserves our respect and protection.
What this means for gardeners: If you’re lucky enough to find Florida shrubverbena available for planting, make absolutely sure you’re getting it from a reputable source that propagates plants responsibly rather than collecting from wild populations. Never, ever collect this plant from its natural habitat.
Should You Grow Florida Shrubverbena?
The honest answer? It’s complicated. While supporting native plants is always admirable, and Florida shrubverbena would certainly be a unique addition to any southeastern garden, the reality is that very little information is available about its specific growing requirements or garden performance.
As a shrub, it would likely work well in:
- Native plant gardens
- Wildlife-friendly landscapes
- Conservation-focused plantings
- Educational gardens showcasing rare species
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, specific growing requirements for Florida shrubverbena aren’t well-documented in horticultural literature. However, based on its native range in Florida and South Carolina, we can make some educated guesses that it likely prefers:
- Warm, humid conditions typical of the southeastern coastal plains
- Well-draining soils
- Full sun to partial shade
- Moderate water requirements once established
Given its shrub habit and perennial nature, it would probably benefit from minimal pruning and would likely be fairly low-maintenance once established – but again, this is largely speculation based on related species.
The Bottom Line
Florida shrubverbena represents something precious in the plant world – a native species with a story that’s still being written. While its rarity makes it challenging to recommend for everyday gardening, it serves as an important reminder of the botanical diversity we have right in our own backyards.
If you’re in Florida or South Carolina and are passionate about native plant conservation, keep an eye out for opportunities to support research and conservation efforts for species like this one. Sometimes the best way to grow a rare plant is to help protect the places where it naturally thrives.
For most gardeners looking to support native pollinators and wildlife, consider exploring other native Lantana species or well-documented native shrubs in your area that can provide similar ecological benefits without the conservation concerns.
