Nettleleaf Shrubverbena: A Caribbean Native Worth Discovering
If you’re gardening in the Caribbean and looking for authentic native plants, you might want to get acquainted with nettleleaf shrubverbena (Lantana urticifolia urticifolia). This lesser-known member of the Lantana family offers a unique opportunity to grow something truly local to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
What Is Nettleleaf Shrubverbena?
Nettleleaf shrubverbena is a perennial shrub that’s part of the larger Lantana genus, known for their colorful, clustered flowers. As its common name suggests, this plant has leaves that somewhat resemble those of nettles, giving it a distinctive texture in the landscape. Like other shrubs, it’s a multi-stemmed woody plant that typically stays under 13-16 feet tall, making it a manageable size for most garden settings.
You might also encounter this plant listed under its botanical synonyms, including Lantana arida Britton or Lantana glandulosissima Hayek, but these all refer to the same Caribbean native.
Where Does It Naturally Grow?
This shrub is a true Caribbean native, naturally occurring in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its limited geographic range makes it a special plant for gardeners in these areas who want to showcase authentic local flora.
Should You Plant Nettleleaf Shrubverbena?
If you’re gardening in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, there are several compelling reasons to consider this native shrub:
- True native status: Supporting local ecosystems by growing plants that naturally belong there
- Adapted to local conditions: As a native, it should be well-suited to Caribbean growing conditions
- Low maintenance potential: Native plants typically require less water and care once established
- Unique garden element: Not commonly available, making it a conversation starter
The Challenge: Finding This Plant
Here’s where things get tricky. Nettleleaf shrubverbena appears to be quite rare in cultivation, and detailed growing information is scarce. This likely means it’s not readily available at most nurseries and may require special sourcing from native plant specialists or botanical institutions.
If you do locate this plant, make sure you’re obtaining it from responsible sources that don’t harvest from wild populations.
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific care information for this exact species is limited, we can make some educated guesses based on its native habitat and relationship to other Lantanas:
- Climate: Tropical to subtropical conditions (likely USDA zones 10-11)
- Sunlight: Probably prefers full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining soil, as most Caribbean natives don’t tolerate waterlogged conditions
- Water: Moderate watering once established, with good drought tolerance expected
Landscape Uses
As a shrub that stays relatively compact, nettleleaf shrubverbena could work well in:
- Native plant gardens
- Mixed shrub borders
- Foundation plantings
- Wildlife-friendly landscapes
The Bottom Line
Nettleleaf shrubverbena represents an exciting opportunity for Caribbean gardeners to grow something truly local and authentic. However, its rarity in cultivation means you’ll need to do some detective work to find it, and you’ll be somewhat pioneering its use in home landscapes.
If you can’t locate this specific species, consider exploring other native Lantana species or Caribbean natives that are more readily available. Your local native plant society or botanical garden might be your best resource for both finding the plant and learning more about its specific needs.
Sometimes the most rewarding plants in our gardens are the ones that take a little extra effort to find and grow – and nettleleaf shrubverbena definitely fits that category!
