Lantana is one of those plants that just makes me smile. With its clusters of tiny, vibrant flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink and purple, it adds a cheerful pop of color to any garden. But what I love most about lantana is how tough and low-maintenance it is. This is a plant that thrives on neglect and keeps on blooming even when other flowers have given up.
I’ve been growing lantana in my garden for over 20 years now, in everything from container pots to sprawling landscape beds. Along the way, I’ve learned all the tricks to getting the most out of this hardy plant. If you’re thinking about adding some lantana to your yard, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll share all my tips for growing lantana successfully, from planting to care to overwintering.
Choosing the Right Lantana Variety
Before we dig into the nitty-gritty of lantana care, let’s talk about choosing the best variety for your garden. There are over 150 species of lantana out there, but most garden centers will carry a handful of common cultivars. Here are a few of my favorites:
- ‘Radiation’ – Vibrant red and orange flowers
- ‘Dallas Red’ – Deep red blooms
- ‘New Gold’ – Sunny yellow flowers
- ‘Confetti’ – Multi-colored pink, yellow and orange
- ‘Bandana Pink’ – Soft pink blooms
When selecting a lantana variety, consider your climate and garden conditions. Some lantanas are more cold-hardy than others. If you live in a colder region (zones 7 or below), look for varieties that can survive as a perennial, like ‘Miss Huff’ or ‘Chapel Hill Yellow’.
You’ll also want to think about the plant’s growth habit. Some lantanas stay compact and mounded, perfect for containers or small spaces. Others can spread up to 6 feet wide, making them better suited as ground cover or for filling large areas.
Planting Lantana for Success
Once you’ve chosen your lantana variety, it’s time to get planting. Here’s how to give your lantana the best start:
When to Plant
The best time to plant lantana is in spring after all danger of frost has passed. This gives the plant plenty of time to establish itself before the heat of summer kicks in. In warmer climates, you can also plant in early fall.
Where to Plant
Lantana loves sun – the more, the better. Choose a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While lantana can tolerate some shade, it won’t bloom as profusely in lower light conditions.
As for soil, lantana isn’t picky. It will grow in just about any well-draining soil, from sandy to clay. The key is good drainage – lantana hates having wet feet.
How to Plant
Dig a hole about twice the width of the plant’s root ball and just as deep. Gently remove the plant from its container and loosen any circling roots. Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil, firming gently as you go.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plant, keeping it away from the stem to prevent rot.
Caring for Your Lantana
Once your lantana is in the ground, it’s remarkably easy to care for. Here’s what you need to know:
Watering
Lantana is drought-tolerant once established, but it will need regular watering for the first few weeks after planting. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. After that, you can cut back to watering only during extended dry spells.
One of the biggest mistakes I see new lantana growers make is overwatering. Too much water can lead to root rot and reduced flowering. When in doubt, err on the side of underwatering – lantana would rather be too dry than too wet.
Fertilizing
Lantana doesn’t need much fertilizer to thrive. In fact, over-fertilizing can lead to lots of lush foliage but fewer flowers. I give my lantanas a light feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, and that’s it for the year.
If your soil is particularly poor, you might want to fertilize again lightly in midsummer. But in most cases, lantana will do just fine without additional feeding.
Pruning
Regular pruning keeps lantana looking tidy and encourages more blooms. I like to give my plants a light trim every few weeks during the growing season, cutting back about 1/3 of the growth. This promotes bushier growth and more flower production.
In late winter or early spring, before new growth starts, give your lantana a hard pruning. Cut it back to about 6-12 inches from the ground. This might seem drastic, but trust me – your lantana will thank you with vigorous new growth and loads of flowers.
Pest and Disease Control
One of the things I love most about lantana is how resistant it is to pests and diseases. In all my years of growing it, I’ve rarely had any issues. Occasionally, you might see some whiteflies or spider mites, especially in hot, dry weather. A strong spray of water is usually enough to dislodge them.
The main disease to watch out for is root rot, which is almost always caused by overwatering or poor drainage. If you notice your lantana wilting despite moist soil, check the roots for signs of rot and improve drainage if necessary.
Overwintering Lantana
In warmer climates (zones 8-11), lantana is a perennial that will come back year after year. In colder regions, you have a few options:
- Treat it as an annual and replant each spring
- Bring container plants indoors for the winter
- Try to overwinter it in the ground with heavy mulching
If you’re bringing lantana indoors, cut it back by about half and place it in a cool, bright spot. Water sparingly over winter, just enough to keep the soil from completely drying out.
For in-ground plants in marginal zones, cut the lantana back after the first frost and cover the crown with a thick layer of mulch. In spring, be patient – lantana is slow to emerge, often not showing new growth until late spring.
Lantana Growing Tips from My Garden to Yours
After two decades of growing lantana, I’ve picked up a few tricks that you won’t find in most gardening guides. Here are some of my personal tips for getting the most out of your lantana:
Encourage More Blooms
Want even more flowers? Try pinching off the growing tips of young plants to encourage branching. This creates a bushier plant with more stems for flowers to form on.
Create a Butterfly Haven
Lantana is a butterfly magnet. To create a butterfly-friendly garden, plant lantana near other nectar-rich flowers like zinnias, marigolds, and salvia. Add a shallow water source and some flat rocks for basking, and you’ll have butterflies galore.
Use as a Natural Deer Repellent
Deer tend to avoid lantana due to its strong scent. I’ve had success planting lantana as a border around more deer-susceptible plants to keep the hungry critters at bay.
Try Lantana as a Groundcover
In warm climates where lantana spreads freely, it makes an excellent, low-maintenance groundcover for sunny slopes or large areas. Just be sure to choose a variety that stays low and spreads, like ‘New Gold’ or ‘Purple Trailing’.
Pair with Heat-Loving Plants
Lantana looks great paired with other sun-loving, drought-tolerant plants. Some of my favorite companions include:
- Salvia
- Rudbeckia
- Coneflower
- Lavender
- Sedum
These plants not only share similar growing conditions but also complement lantana’s colorful blooms and informal growth habit.
Common Lantana Growing Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can sometimes struggle with lantana. Here are a few common mistakes I see people make:
Planting in Shade
While lantana can tolerate some shade, it really needs full sun to thrive. In too much shade, you’ll end up with leggy plants and few flowers.
Overwatering
As I mentioned earlier, lantana is drought-tolerant and prefers to be on the dry side. Resist the urge to water too frequently, especially in heavy soils.
Not Pruning Enough
Regular pruning is key to keeping lantana looking its best. Don’t be afraid to cut it back hard – lantana can take it and will reward you with more blooms.
Fertilizing Too Much
Over-fertilizing leads to lots of green growth but fewer flowers. A light feeding in spring is usually all lantana needs.
Giving Up Too Soon in Spring
Lantana is slow to wake up in spring, especially in colder climates. Don’t assume your plant is dead if you don’t see new growth right away. Give it time – it might surprise you.
Is Lantana Right for Your Garden?
Lantana is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance, high-impact plant. It’s perfect for hot, sunny spots where other plants might struggle. And with its long blooming season and attraction to pollinators, it adds both color and life to the garden.
However, lantana might not be the best choice if you have small children or pets who might be tempted to eat the berries, which can be toxic. It’s also not ideal for shade gardens or areas with poor drainage.
But if you have a sunny spot and want a tough, colorful plant that will bloom its heart out all summer long, give lantana a try. With a little care and the tips I’ve shared here, you’ll soon be enjoying a beautiful, butterfly-filled garden of your own.
Remember, gardening is all about experimentation and learning what works best in your unique space. So don’t be afraid to try different lantana varieties and care techniques until you find what works for you. Happy gardening!