Lantana Plants: Complete Guide to Growing & Care

How to Grow & Care for Lantana Plants

Lantana plants provide carefree, vibrant color throughout the growing season, making them a favorite among gardeners seeking low-maintenance options with high visual impact. These cheerful flowering plants produce clusters of small, multicolored blooms that create a spectacular display from late spring through frost, and nearly year-round in warmer regions. A member of the verbena family native to tropical areas of the Americas and South Africa, lantana has become a popular choice for gardeners looking to add reliable color to their landscapes.

With approximately 150 different species available, lantana offers incredible variety in growth habits, colors, and applications in the garden. Whether you’re growing lantana as an annual in northern climates or enjoying it as a perennial shrub or ground cover in frost-free regions, these versatile plants deliver exceptional performance with minimal care. The abundant flowers not only brighten gardens but also attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators, making lantana an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

Lantana Basics

Before diving into specific care instructions, understanding the fundamental characteristics of lantana will help you determine if these plants are right for your garden and how to best utilize them in your landscape design.

Hardiness Zones

Lantana thrives as an annual in USDA Zones 1-8 and performs as a perennial in Zones 9-11. Some hardier varieties can survive as tender perennials in Zones 7-8 with proper winter protection. In frost-free climates, lantana plants maintain their foliage year-round, functioning as broadleaf evergreen shrubs or ground covers depending on the variety.

Height and Spread

When grown as perennials, lantana plants can reach impressive dimensions of 2 to 6 feet in height and spread 3 to 10 feet wide. In regions where lantana is treated as an annual, plants typically grow 3 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide in a single growing season. Trailing varieties remain lower to the ground, making them ideal for containers or as ground covers, while upright varieties develop a more shrub-like habit.

Sun Exposure

Lantana performs best in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While the plants can tolerate partial shade, they produce significantly fewer flowers without adequate sun exposure. For optimal blooming, place lantana in your garden’s sunniest spots where they can bask in direct sunlight throughout the day.

Bloom Time

One of lantana’s most appealing qualities is its extended bloom period. In annual plantings, lantana flowers from late spring through the first frost. In frost-free regions, lantana can bloom nearly year-round, with only brief pauses during cooler periods. This non-stop color makes lantana an exceptional value in the garden, providing months of vibrant flowers with minimal effort.

Planting Lantana

Successful lantana cultivation begins with proper planting techniques. Follow these guidelines to give your lantana plants the best possible start in your garden.

When to Plant

Wait until all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed before planting lantana outdoors. These heat-loving plants prefer warm conditions and will sulk or even fail if planted too early in cool soil. In most regions, this means waiting until late spring when nighttime temperatures consistently remain above 50°F (10°C).

Site Selection

Choose a planting location that receives full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours daily. Lantana thrives in heat and sunshine, producing more abundant flowers when given maximum light exposure. The site should also have well-draining soil, as lantana will not tolerate standing water or soggy conditions that can lead to root rot.

Soil Requirements

Lantana is adaptable to various soil types but performs best in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. While established plants are remarkably drought-tolerant, they bloom most prolifically when provided with consistent moisture. Before planting, amend heavy clay soils with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and prevent waterlogged conditions that can damage lantana roots.

Planting Process

Follow these steps when planting lantana in your garden:

• Loosen the soil in the planting area to a depth of 8-10 inches.
• Dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the plant’s root ball.
• Remove the lantana from its nursery container and gently tease out circling roots if the plant is potbound.
• Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil.
• Backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove air pockets.
• Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil.
• Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around plants, keeping it several inches away from stems.

Spacing

Space lantana plants 1 to 6 feet apart, depending on the variety and whether you’re growing them as annuals or perennials. Compact varieties can be spaced closer together, while larger types need more room to develop their full size. When planting lantana as a perennial shrub, allow sufficient space for mature growth to prevent overcrowding.

Lantana Care

Once established, lantana plants require minimal maintenance, making them perfect for busy gardeners or those seeking low-care landscape options.

Watering

Established lantana plants are remarkably drought-tolerant but perform best with regular watering during their first growing season. Water newly planted lantana deeply once or twice weekly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. After the first year, lantana typically requires supplemental water only during extended dry periods. Overwatering can lead to reduced flowering and root problems, so err on the side of drier conditions once plants are established.

Fertilizing

Lantana generally doesn’t require heavy fertilization. Too much nitrogen can actually reduce flowering and produce excessive foliage growth. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring when new growth begins, following package directions for application rates. In poor soils, a second light application in midsummer may be beneficial. Container-grown lantana benefits from monthly feeding with a diluted, balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Pruning and Deadheading

Regular deadheading (removing spent flower clusters) encourages continuous blooming throughout the season. While not strictly necessary with many modern varieties that self-clean, deadheading can improve overall appearance and stimulate new flower production. Prune lantana in early spring before new growth begins to maintain shape and control size. In frost-free regions, established plants benefit from harder pruning every few years to rejuvenate growth and prevent woodiness.

Winter Care

In Zones 9-11, lantana requires minimal winter protection. In marginal Zones 7-8, lantana may survive winters with proper protection. Apply a thick layer of mulch (4-6 inches) over the root zone after the first hard frost. In colder regions, treat lantana as an annual or consider overwintering plants indoors. Container-grown lantana can be moved to a protected location or bright indoor space where temperatures remain above 50°F (10°C) during winter months.

Lantana Varieties

The lantana family offers remarkable diversity in growth habits, flower colors, and garden applications. Here are some popular types to consider for your landscape:

Trailing Lantana

Trailing or weeping lantana (Lantana montevidensis) features a low, spreading growth habit that makes it excellent for hanging baskets, container edges, or as a colorful ground cover. Typically growing 12-18 inches tall with a spread of 3-6 feet, trailing lantana produces lavender, purple, or white flower clusters throughout the growing season.

Shrub Lantana

Common lantana (Lantana camara) develops a more upright, shrubby habit, reaching 3-6 feet tall and wide in perennial settings. This versatile plant offers the widest range of flower colors, including yellow, orange, red, pink, white, purple, and multi-colored varieties that change hue as they mature. Popular cultivars include ‘Bandana’, ‘Landmark’, and ‘Luscious’ series, offering compact growth and continuous bloom.

Dwarf Lantana

Compact or dwarf lantana varieties have been developed for smaller gardens and container culture. These plants typically reach 1-2 feet tall and wide, making them perfect for borders, small spaces, and mixed plantings. The ‘Lucky’ and ‘Bandito’ series offer excellent compact growth with the same prolific flowering as larger varieties.

Landscape Uses

Lantana’s versatility makes it valuable in numerous garden settings. Consider these applications for incorporating lantana into your landscape:

Butterfly and Pollinator Gardens

Lantana flowers are nectar-rich magnets for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. The abundant blooms provide a consistent food source throughout the growing season, making lantana an essential component of wildlife-friendly gardens. Plant lantana alongside other pollinator favorites like salvias, zinnias, and coneflowers to create a buzzing, fluttering haven of activity.

Hot, Dry Sites

Once established, lantana thrives in challenging conditions that would stress many other flowering plants. Use lantana in hot, exposed locations like street-side plantings, south-facing foundations, or rocky slopes where its heat and drought tolerance can shine. Lantana’s resilience makes it perfect for xeriscaping and low-water landscape designs.

Containers and Hanging Baskets

Both trailing and compact lantana varieties perform exceptionally well in containers. Their heat tolerance makes them ideal for patios, balconies, and other spots where summer temperatures soar. Combine lantana with other sun-loving, drought-tolerant plants like petunias, verbena, and sweet potato vine for season-long container displays.

Mass Plantings and Ground Covers

In frost-free regions, lantana makes an excellent low-maintenance ground cover for slopes, banks, and large areas where color and erosion control are desired. The dense growth habit suppresses weeds while the continuous flowers provide visual interest. Trailing varieties are especially effective for this purpose, creating carpets of color across the landscape.

Common Problems and Solutions

While generally trouble-free, lantana can occasionally experience issues. Here’s how to identify and address potential problems:

Pests

Lantana typically experiences few pest problems, but whiteflies, lacebugs, and spider mites can occasionally affect plants, particularly during hot, dry periods. Regular monitoring allows for early detection. Treat insect infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil applications. Strong water sprays can dislodge spider mites before populations build to damaging levels.

Diseases

Root rot can occur in poorly drained soils or with overwatering. Prevent by providing excellent drainage and avoiding waterlogged conditions. Powdery mildew may appear during periods of high humidity combined with cooler temperatures. Improve air circulation around plants and avoid overhead watering to minimize fungal issues.

Growing Challenges

Poor flowering is typically caused by insufficient sunlight or excessive fertilization. Move plants to sunnier locations and reduce nitrogen applications to encourage blooming. Leggy growth indicates inadequate light or overcrowding. Prune as needed to maintain compact form and provide better spacing between plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lantana a perennial?

Lantana is a perennial shrub in USDA Zones 9-11. In colder regions (Zones 1-8), it’s typically grown as an annual. Some varieties may survive as tender perennials in Zones 7-8 with winter protection.

Does lantana grow fast?

Yes, lantana grows quickly in optimal conditions of full sun and well-draining soil. Annual growth of 3-4 feet in height and 1-3 feet in spread is common during a single growing season. Regular trimming can help control growth and promote branching.

Is lantana easy to grow?

Lantana is considered very easy to grow, making it suitable for beginner gardeners. When provided with the right conditions of full sun, well-draining soil, and moderate water, lantana thrives with minimal care and delivers exceptional flowering performance.

Do lantanas come back every year?

In frost-free regions (Zones 9-11), lantana returns reliably year after year, often growing larger with each passing season. In colder climates, lantana is either treated as an annual or can be overwintered indoors in containers for replanting the following spring.

Are lantana plants poisonous?

The unripe berries and foliage of lantana contain compounds that can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. Keep pets and children from consuming plant parts. The ripe berries are less toxic and are eaten by birds, which help disperse seeds.

How do I overwinter lantana?

In Zones 7-8, apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of plants after the first frost. In colder regions, grow lantana in containers that can be moved indoors before frost. Place in a cool, bright location and water sparingly through winter. Alternatively, take cuttings in late summer to propagate new plants for the following year.

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

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