Botanical Name: Lantana camara ‘New Gold’

Common Name: Lantana

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Warm Regions (USDA Zones 9–11); Grown as an Annual Elsewhere

Size: 12–18" Tall × 24–36"+ Spread

Growth Habit: Trailing to Spreading, Low-Growing Habit

Sunlight: Full Sun (Best Flowering and Color)

Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Poor or Sandy Soils

Water Needs: Low; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Late Spring through Frost

Fertilizer: Minimal; Avoid Excess Nitrogen

Features: Bright Golden-Yellow Flower Clusters, Vigorous Trailing Habit, Exceptional Heat & Drought Tolerance, Pollinator Friendly

Uses: Hanging Baskets, Ground Cover, Slopes, Large Containers, Mass Plantings

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

See our complete Lantana Growth & Care Guidefor more in depth care details.

More About Lantana ‘New Gold’

‘New Gold’ is one of the most widely planted and dependable Lantanas ever introduced, known for its brilliant golden-yellow flower clusters and vigorous spreading habit. The flowers appear in dense clusters that seem to glow in bright sun, creating an almost continuous carpet of color from late Spring through Fall. Unlike many other Lantanas that show multiple colors in a single bloom, ‘New Gold’ offers a clear, saturated yellow that reads boldly from a distance and remains bright even during the hottest parts of Summer.

This variety is especially valued for its spreading growth habit, which allows it to quickly cover ground and fill open spaces in the landscape. Rather than forming a tight mound, ‘New Gold’ grows outward in a low, flowing pattern that makes it ideal for slopes, banks, large beds, and areas where fast coverage is desired. The plant is extremely tolerant of heat, drought, and poor soils once established, making it a favorite for tough planting locations where many flowering plants struggle to perform.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials here in the Upstate South Carolina heat, ‘New Gold’ has consistently proven to be one of the toughest and most reliable Lantanas we grow. I remember planting it along a hot bank near one of our display areas where irrigation was inconsistent and the soil was far from ideal. While other plants struggled to keep up, ‘New Gold’ spread quickly, filled the space with bright color, and kept blooming without missing a beat through the heat of Summer.

What I especially appreciate about this variety is how effortlessly it fills large areas. Within a single season it can spread several feet, creating a dense blanket of flowers that naturally suppresses weeds and softens the edges of planting beds. It is an excellent choice for mass plantings, sunny slopes, and landscape areas where low maintenance is a priority. Butterflies absolutely love it as well, often hovering over the bright yellow blooms throughout the day, adding constant movement and life to the garden.

New Gold vs. Other Lantana Varieties

New Gold is a workhorse groundcover lantana, valued for its nonstop golden-yellow blooms and aggressive, spreading habit. Compared to Chapel Hill Yellow, New Gold is slightly more vigorous and wider-spreading, making it one of the best options for covering large areas quickly. Unlike upright series such as Lucky™, Little Lucky™, or Bandana®, New Gold is designed to run rather than mound, forming a dense, flower-covered mat through the heat of summer. 

Compared to the Bandana® Series, New Gold sacrifices structure for spread, while Bandana varieties remain compact and container-friendly. Against Dallas Red, New Gold offers horizontal coverage instead of vertical presence. It also contrasts sharply with Samantha Lantana, which focuses on foliage interest and controlled growth rather than rapid expansion. Among yellow Lantanas, it’s the go-to choice when coverage and durability matter most.