The leaves have a sandpaper-like texture. Although many dislike the sharp, citrusy smell of this plant, the aroma of their foliage qualifies them as fragrant plants. The flower’s nectar attracts several species of butterflies including the spicebush swallowtail. This fast-growing plant can be planted any time as a perennial or in the spring as an annual. Lantana is toxic to animals.
Light
Lantana plants like full sun. The plant should receive at least six hours (or more) of direct sunlight every day. It can tolerate some afternoon shade but will flower less if planted in a shady spot.
Soil
These plants thrive in well-draining soil. They will grow in most soil conditions but prefer a neutral pH.
Water
Water lantana thoroughly, about one inch per week, and do not let it dry out. With sandy soil, you will likely need to water every day. If blooming has slowed or stopped altogether, try more water.
Temperature and Humidity
Lantana plants may survive in a light frost, but if the temperature dips below 28 degrees Fahrenheit or stays cold for a long time, the plant will die. Lantana thrives in temperatures 55 degrees Fahrenheit or more. It enjoys humid weather and can even survive with salt spray.
Fertilizer
Lantana plants do not require much fertilizer when the plant is in the ground—once in the early spring should suffice. They are very low-maintenance, and too much fertilizer can decrease the abundance of flowers. Feed lantana plants in containers more frequently with a balanced, gentle 20-20-20 fertilizer every month.
Types of Lantana
Trailing lantana (Lantana montevidensis): These have branches up to 12 inches long and are popular for baskets or hanging displays.Popcorn lantana (Lantana trifolia): This type is known for its relatively small and bright clusters of flowers.Wild lantana (Lantana urticoides): Found in Texas, these have especially pungent leaves.‘Spreading Sunset’ (Lantana x ‘Monet’): This cultivar has a flower head with gold centers surrounded by orange. This orange color later fades to pink.Lantana camara ‘Miss Huff’: Cold hardy to Zone 7b with orange and yellow flowers.Lantana camara ‘Bandito’: Compact mounding habit with orange, red, or pink flowers.
Pruning
If you are growing lantana as a perennial, then pruning is important to promote branching and flowering, as well as to remove the plant’s fruit to keep its aggressive growth in check. Lightly shear lantana after flowering to encourage future blooms on bushier branches. Cut stems in the spring to within six to 12 inches from the ground to encourage branching and blooming. If a perennial lantana plant produces berries and you do not want the seeds to drop and spread, prune lantana after flowering.
How to Grow Lantana From Seed
Seeds for planting lantanas as annuals in cooler zones are readily available commercially. Harvesting seeds from perennial plants in warmer zones is simple. When the plant’s black berries are ripe, you will find seed pods inside. Plant seeds six to eight weeks indoors before you want to transplant outdoors.
Overwintering
Gardeners in cold climates sometimes wonder if lantana plants can be taken indoors in the fall and overwintered as houseplants. The answer is yes and no. Yes, they can be overwintered inside, but they do not thrive as houseplants. It is better to place them in an unheated room for the winter to keep them in a dormant state, providing just minimal light and water (about a 1/2 inch of water per week) until you replant. The temperature of the room should not dip much below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Common Pests
Lantana can survive most pests but watch for the following insects that can cause problems if the infestation becomes severe. The four most common pests to lantana will be aphids, lace bugs, mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites. Use insecticidal soap to eliminate pests or use a method more specific to the insect to save lantana plants.
