Lantana: Plant Care and Growing Guide

When to Plant Lantana

• Lantana can be planted in spring after the last frost date in your area.
• In warmer climates, it can be planted year-round. It’s important to ensure the soil temperature is at least 60°F (15.5°C) before planting.

Where to Plant Lantana

• Sunlight: Lantana requires full sun to thrive. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Soil: Lantana thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 6.5. You can improve the soil by adding organic matter like compost or aged manure, although the plant tolerates poor soils.
• Water: Lantana is drought-tolerant and can survive long periods without water. However, it still requires regular watering to thrive.
• Climate: Lantana is a warm-season plant and grows best in hot and sunny weather conditions. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 and can tolerate high humidity, drought, and even salt spray. However, it is not tolerant of frost and prefers temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C).
• Lantana Border: Plant as a colorful border around garden beds or walkways.
• Butterfly Garden: Plant in a butterfly garden along with other nectar-producing plants to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
• Container Garden: Grow in a container garden on a patio or balcony to add a splash of color.
• Ground Cover: Use as a ground cover in areas with poor soil or in places where other plants won’t grow.
• Mixed Border: Plant along with other annual and perennial flowers in a mixed border for a vibrant and colorful display.

How to Plant Lantana

• Choose the right location: Select a location that receives full sunlight (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) and has well-draining soil.
• Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil and add organic matter such as compost or peat moss to improve drainage and soil fertility.
• Dig the hole: Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and deep enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
• Place the plant: Gently remove the plant from its container and loosen the roots. Place the plant in the center of the hole and backfill it with soil.
• Water the plant: Water the plant thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots.
• Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.

How to Care for Lantana

Here are some tips for caring for lantana:

• Watering: Lantana is drought-tolerant, but it still needs to be watered regularly until it establishes. After that, water it only during prolonged dry periods.
• Fertilizing: Lantanas generally do not require frequent fertilization. However, if you want to promote healthy growth and blooming, you can apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer once or twice a year. It’s best to fertilize in early spring when new growth emerges and then again in mid-summer if necessary. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.
• Pruning: Prune in early spring before new growth appears or after the plant has finished blooming. Cut them back to within 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm) of the ground. During summer, lightly prune the tips of the plant to encourage reblooming.
• Winter care: In areas with cold winters, lantana may die back to the ground but should return in the spring. Mulch the root zone to protect it during the winter.

How to Propagate

Lantana can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, or layering. Cultivars generally do not come true from seed. However, cuttings may be taken in summer for overwintering.

• Seeds: Collect the seeds from the dry fruit and sow them in the spring in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and warm until the seeds germinate, which can take up to 14 days.
• Stem cuttings: Take 4- to 6-inch stem cuttings (10-15 cm) from the tip or the midsection of the plant in the spring or summer. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and warm until the cutting roots, which can take up to 4 weeks.
• Layering: Bury a low-hanging stem of the plant in the soil in the early spring or summer. Secure the stem to the soil with a U-shaped wire or a small rock. The buried section will develop roots, and you can detach it from the parent plant and transplant it after 2-3 months.

Ensure to keep the soil moist and warm throughout the propagation process.

Pests and Diseases

Lantana is generally a hardy and low-maintenance plant that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally suffer from some common problems, including:

Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. They can be controlled through a variety of methods, including insecticidal soap, neem oil, and ladybugs.

Lace bugs: Lace bugs are small insects known to feed on the undersides of leaves. They cause damage by piercing the leaves and sucking out the sap, leading to yellowing and eventual browning of the foliage. Control measures include spraying affected plants with insecticides, improving cultural practices

Mealybugs: These small insects are usually found on the undersides of leaves, in leaf axils, and at the base of the plant. They can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and a sticky substance called honeydew on the leaves.

Spider mites: These tiny pests suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to appear mottled and discolored.

Whiteflies: These insects also suck sap and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.

Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can develop in humid conditions, causing a white powdery coating to appear on the leaves and stems.

Root rot: This can occur if the soil is too moist, causing the roots to rot and the plant to wilt.

Regular inspection and prompt treatment can help to prevent and control these problems. In some cases, the use of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil may be necessary to control pests. Fungicides may also be required to treat fungal diseases. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and use only products that are safe for use on lantanas.

Companion Plants for Lantana

Lantanas can be paired with other sun-loving plants that have similar water and light requirements, such as:

Angelonia: Angelonia’s tall spikes of blooms complement the mounding growth habit of lantanas and their colors often complement each other.

Bidens: Lantanas and bidens are often used together in garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets because they have similar growing conditions and bloom at the same time.

Canna: The tall spikes of Canna can provide a nice vertical element to the low-growing Lantanas, creating a beautiful and dynamic landscape design.

Cuphea: Cuphea’s vibrant tubular flowers add a lovely contrasting texture to Lantana’s bold, rounded blooms, creating an eye-catching display in the garden

Gazania Gazania, also known as treasure flower, is a low-growing plant that produces large, daisy-like flowers in vibrant colors that complement the clusters of Lantana flowers.

Marigold: These cheerful flowers complement lantanas well and also repel many insect pests.

Nasturtium: These bright, edible flowers have a peppery flavor and add a splash of color to any garden.

Pentas: Pentas are known for their star-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, and white that bloom in clusters atop tall stems. When planted alongside lantanas, the vibrant blooms create a beautiful contrast and add interest to any garden or landscape.

Petunia: Plant petunias around the base of lantanas for a beautiful and colorful display in your garden or containers.

Salvia: This flowering plant attracts pollinators and comes in a variety of colors that complement lantanas.

Verbena: This low-growing plant produces clusters of flowers in a range of colors that complement lantanas well.

Click here to compare all Lantana varieties

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the problem with the lantana?

Lantana can be invasive in some areas, and it may also be toxic to pets and humans if ingested. In addition, they may suffer from various pests and diseases such as lace bugs, aphids, spider mites, and fungal infections.

Do lantanas come back every year?

Lantanas are perennial plants in USDA hardiness zones 8-11, and they can come back year after year in these zones. In colder zones, lantanas are grown as annuals and need to be replanted each year.

What does lantana do to dogs?

Lantana contains toxins that can cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, in dogs if ingested in large quantities. The toxins in lantanas can also cause liver failure and even death in severe cases. Therefore, it is important to keep dogs away from lantanas and seek veterinary attention immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested any part of the plant.