Summer in the garden is all about flowers. If you plan your beds and containers right, you should have a profusion of color through July and August. Many of these summer beauties need deadheading to continue producing blooms. Snipping off spent flowers signals to the plant to put energy into making more.

If you feel like your entire summer revolves around deadheading in order to keep the flowers coming, there’s good news. Some flowers bloom all summer without deadheading. They either simply keep producing in spite of spent blooms or are so-called self-cleaning plants that naturally shed their flowers.

I’ve curated a list here of my favorite no-fuss summer flowers that provide non-stop color without the chore of deadheading.

Tips for Keeping Your Flowers Blooming Longer

Choosing plants that bloom continuously is only the first step to getting summer-long flowers. Even these reliable summer producers can struggle without the right care. Here’s how to ensure they keep blooming and stay healthy:

• Water your bedding flowers deeply and less frequently to encourage stronger, healthier roots.
• Potted plants need to be watered more often, even every day, when it’s not raining, as they dry out quickly.
• Use a bloom-boosting fertilizer to ensure plants have the nutrients they need to keep flowering.
• Most repeat-blooming flowers need full sun to perform optimally. This means at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Use mulch around flowers to keep weeds at bay, regulate soil temperature, and keep more moisture in the soil.

Bloom-Boosting Essentials

Flowers That Bloom All Summer With No Deadheading

With the right flowers and these pro tips, you can expect an abundance of blooms all summer with minimal effort and no more deadheading.

1. Lantana

Lantana is a tough plant that flowers all summer and thrives even in very hot weather and in poor, dry soil. You can pick up a set of two mixed-color lantana live plants from Walmart to fill your garden with color this summer. The attractive clusters of small flowers are multi-colored, draw in pollinators, and naturally fade as new blooms appear.

Lantana can be an issue in some areas where it is invasive. Its toughness is what helps it outcompete native plants. If you live in cooler climates, use lantana as an annual. In areas where it will survive winter, grow it in containers.

2. Summer Snapdragon

Summer snapdragon – aka angelonia – is a perennial in zones 9 through 11 and an annual in cooler climates. It produces fresh spikes of colorful flowers all summer without the chore of deadheading. I love the blue-purple varieties, like this Angelface Blue Summer Snapdragon from Plant Addicts.

Angelonia thrives in the heat of July and August and won’t let you down even when conditions get tough for other plants.

These flowers are great for beds, borders, and containers. They need soil that drains very well and full sun. They won’t need frequent watering, but you should fertilize monthly to keep the flowers going.

3. Supertunias

Petunias have long been popular summer annuals with their large, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a wide range of colors. Traditional petunias need deadheading to keep flowering, but the newer Supertunia varieties are self-cleaning. They’ll drop their spent flowers and keep producing more without your help.

Walmart stocks a good color range, including this four-pack of vivid watermelon-hued Proven Winners Pink Supertunia Vista Paradise.

Supertunias have a trailing habit, so they are great for borders, edges, containers, and hanging baskets. They need full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. Use a bloom-boosting fertilizer every couple of weeks for the best results.

4. Madagascar Periwinkle

Also known as annual vinca, this type of vinca is hardy only in very warm climates and is an annual in most gardens. It thrives in summer weather and continuously produces new flowers as old ones fade, so there’s no need to deadhead them.

Pick up a glorious multicolor vinca hanging basket from Lowe's.

Madagascar periwinkle is very heat and drought-tolerant and grows well along borders and in containers in full sun and well-drained soil. Unlike some repeat bloomers, this type of vinca doesn’t need a lot of feeding to keep producing.

5. Million Bells

Million bells, or calibrachoa, is yet another annual in cool climates that doesn’t require deadheading. It is naturally self-cleaning, producing hundreds of small, trumpet-shaped flowers all summer. Million bells look especially nice in containers, including hanging baskets and window boxes, as their trailing stems spill over the sides.

Plant Addicts stocks a fantastic collection of calibrachoa plants, but I have a soft spot for this Pink Lemonade variety.

Provide million bells plants with full sun and soil that drains well but stays moist with regular watering. Because they bloom so heavily, you will need to feed these plants with a bloom-specific product all summer.

6. Wax Begonias

This classic and perennially popular flower is a staple for shade gardening. An annual in most climates, wax begonia has characteristic waxy leaves and small bright flowers that persist all summer. Pick up a three-color mix from Walmart. The blooms are self-cleaning, naturally dropping as new flowers form.

You can grow wax begonias in beds or containers as long as they don’t get too much sun. Partial shade is ideal, but they’ll also grow in full shade. Use moist, rich soil that drains well and feed monthly to keep the flowers coming.

7. Impatiens

Impatiens is the other classic shade annual. Like begonias, they readily drop their spent blooms, and new ones will quickly take their place. Also like begonias, impatiens grow best in moist, rich soil and partial or even full shade. Plant Addicts stocks a lovely range of Impatiens.

For the best results from your impatiens, make sure the soil never totally dries out and feed the plants at least every three weeks with a flower-focused fertilizer. In addition to standard impatiens, look for New Guinea impatiens, which are larger plants with bigger leaves and flowers. They’ll also tolerate more sun.

8. Sweet Alyssum

Sweet alyssum blooms in summer in a carpet of tiny flowers, often white but also pink or purple. Traditional varieties stop flowering in July, but new, sterile hybrids keep going and don’t need deadheading. They put all their energy into their sweet-scented flowers. Grow sweet alyssum along edges of beds and as the “spiller” element in mixed containers.

Sweet alyssum grows best in full sun or partial shade and doesn’t require rich soil. It flowers best when watered consistently. Examples of sterile varieties for ongoing flowers include ‘Snow Princess,’ ‘White Knight,’ available as a four-pack from Lowe's, and ‘Blushing Princess.’

Evergreen lantana plants are a beautiful addition to the ornamental garden. Available in a wide range of color, these stunning flowers are highly attractive to pollinators of all types, and even make a valuable addition to hummingbird gardens. Though the plants are relatively low growers, gardeners can expect a profusion of blooms throughout the entirety of the summer growing season. Lantana performs as a perennial in frost-free regions. However, those living outside of the plant’s native range can enjoy it as an annual. Because of this, gardeners may become interested in learning whether or not their lantana plants can be overwintered indoors. So, can you bring lantana in for the winter?

Can Lantana Grow Indoors?

For those who wish to save their favorite plants, bringing lantana indoors for winter is among the best options. As cooler temperatures arrive in fall, lantana plants will often show a noticeable decrease in growth. Plants should be removed from the garden just before the arrival of the first frost. This can be done by carefully digging around the outer perimeter of the plant, if it has been grown in the ground, and transplanting it into a large container. Potted lantana plants will simply need to be moved indoors at the correct time.

When it comes to lantana, indoor plants will require special care. Most notably, potted specimens will require a warm location that receives ample indirect sunlight. Without enough sunlight, lantana plants may struggle throughout winter. Stressed plants may begin yellowing, drop their leaves, or even die completely. While indoors, lantana should be watered frequently, allowing time for the soil to dry between each application.

Lantana from Cuttings

If it is not possible to bring the entire lantana plant indoors, winter gardeners have found success in taking smaller cuttings in the fall. These rooted stems can then be grown through winter to be moved outdoors as transplants in the spring. Lantana cuttings are generally made by taking small stem segments, removing their leaves, and then putting them into propagation domes. Though rooting hormone can be used to speed this process, it is often unnecessary. Growers have also found success in placing lantana cuttings in a vase of clean water. With either technique, lantana plants are known to root readily, with rootset occurring within one to two weeks.

Do Lantanas Go Dormant?

As many landscapers have found it difficult to meet the needs of managing lantana as a houseplant, another popular option is to allow the plants to slip into dormancy. This is a natural process that will occur with the shortening of days in autumn. While dormant, the plant will be in a state of “rest,” rather than active growth. Dormancy can be encouraged indoors by moving the potted plants to a cool, frost-free room with minimal light. Throughout winter, dormant lantana plants will require little attention from gardeners, but will still need occasional watering to keep the plants from drying completely. Due to their appearance in dormancy, many gardeners may fear that their plants have died. However, most dormant plants will resume growth as soon as they are moved to a warm, sunny location in the spring.

Lantana flowers are an excellent choice for those wishing to attract butterflies, pollinators, and other beneficial insects to flower gardens. Especially attractive to hummingbirds, these blooms come in a wide range of vibrant colors. Lantana plants are hardy to USDA zones 8-11.

While cooler growing zones may experience dieback, lantana can actually exhibit invasive qualities in warmer regions. This trait makes lantana ideal for growing in containers or ornamental raised flower beds. With proper care, gardeners can enjoy the small showy flowers for many years to come. In doing so, learning how to repot lantana will be important.

When to Repot Lantana

Growing lantana in containers is popular for many reasons. Blooming throughout the entire growing season, lantana in pots can be used to add a much-needed “pop” of color just about anywhere. When growing conditions are right, however, these plants can become large rather quickly. It is for this reason that many growers find moving lantana to larger containers a few times each season a necessity.

Repotting lantana should occur when the root system of the plant has completely filled its current pot. The need to repot lantana plants may first become noticeable if the container dries out quickly after watering or has difficulty retaining water.

The presence of roots poking through the bottom of the container drainage hole may also be an indication of the need for repotting. Luckily, the process of relocating lantana in a new pot is relatively simple.

How to Repot Lantana

When learning how to repot lantana, growers will first need to select a slightly larger pot. While it may be tempting to replant in a pot that is much bigger, lantana actually prefers to grow in somewhat confined spaces.

To begin moving lantana to a larger container, fill the bottom few inches (7.5 cm.) of the container with small gravel to assist drainage, followed by a couple of inches (5 cm.) of fresh potting soil. Next, carefully remove the lantana plant and its roots from the old container. Gently place it into the new pot, and then fill the empty space with potting soil.

Water the container well to ensure that the soil has settled. While early spring is generally the best time to repot lantana, it can be done at other times throughout the growing season, as well.

In some gardens, Lantana camara is a pretty, flowering plant that adds delicate, colorful blooms to flower beds. In other areas, though, this plant can be more of a pest. California and Hawaii, as well as Australia and New Zealand, battle this invasive species. Find out ways for controlling lantana weeds in your yard.

About Lantana Control in Gardens

Lantana is an ornamental shrub that is popular with home gardeners. It has colorful flowers that are small but grow in tight clusters. They change color with time, going from white to pink to purple or from yellow to orange to red, and put on quite a display. Native to the West Indies, lantana is a perennial in warmer climates and an annual or an indoor container plant in cooler regions. If you have lantana well under control in your garden or in containers and you don’t live in a region where this plant has become a weed and pest, knowing how to kill lantana is probably not a top priority. However, if you are in one of the areas with out-of-control lantana, you may need to know how to manage or stop it.

How to Kill Lantana Weeds

Lantana management can be difficult because this is a tough plant that grows quickly and aggressively. On farm and pastureland, this weed grows into thick hedges that are difficult to penetrate. Furthermore, lantana is toxic to livestock and humans. Any type of chemical control or mechanical control is likely to be too costly in large areas where it really causes damage. In the home garden, simply pulling out lantana can be adequate for controlling its spread. Just keep in mind that contact with the leaves and stems can cause skin irritation and a rash. Use gloves and wear long sleeves before tackling lantana. For areas in which it has taken stronger root, stopping lantana is a challenge. A multi-step approach is best. Removing flower heads before seeds form can prevent some of the spread of lantana, for instance. Keeping your yard full of healthy, native plants can also prevent the spread of lantana, which generally takes over disturbed, open areas. Some type of biological control may also help, and researchers are currently working on strategies using insects to destroy lantana plants. Check with your local agricultural university extension to find out if using a certain type of insect is recommended in your area. With all of these steps used together, you should be able to manage or even eliminate invasive lantana from your garden or yard.

If you garden for hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators, you probably have lantana plants. Though lantana can be a noxious weed and the bane of citrus growers or other farmers in some areas, it is still a prized garden plant in other regions. Lantana is loved for its long season of abundant, colorful blooms and its quick growth, tolerance of poor soil and drought. However, lantana cannot tolerate too much shade, waterlogged or poorly draining soils, or winter freeze. If you have a lantana that is struggling in its current location or has outgrown its space and is not playing nice with other plants, you may be searching for some tips on how to transplant lantana.

Can You Transplant Lantanas?

First and foremost, if you live in a climate with frost-free winters, be sure to check with your local agencies before bringing lantana plants to a new area. It is considered an invasive weed and serious problem in some parts of the world. There are restrictions on planting lantana in California, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand and several other places. Lantana can be transplanted in spring or autumn. Transplanting lantanas in extreme heat or intense sunshine can cause unnecessary stress to them. So if you absolutely have to move a lantana during summer, try to do it on a cloudy, cooler day. It also helps to prepare the lantana new site beforehand. While lantana requires very little besides full sun and well-draining soil, you can help the plants get off to a good start by loosening up the soil in the new area and mixing in compost or other organic matter. Pre-digging the new hole for the lantana plant can also help reduce transplant shock. Though it is hard to guess the size of a plant’s rootball until you dig it up, you can dig the hole approximately as wide as the plant’s drip line and about 12 inches (30 cm.) deep. Pre-digging the hole can also give you an opportunity to test how quickly the soil drains.

Moving a Lantana Plant

To transplant a lantana, use a clean, sharp garden spade to cut around the plant’s drip line or at least 6-8 inches (15-20 cm.) out from the plant crown. Dig down about a foot to get as much of the roots as possible. Gently lift the plant up and out. Lantana roots should be kept moist during the transplanting process. Placing newly dug up plants in a wheelbarrow or bucket filled with some water can help you safely transport them to the new site. At the new planting site, be sure to plant the lantana transplant at the same depth it was planted previously. You can build a small berm of back filled soil in the center of the hole for the roots to spread down to raise the plant up if necessary. Gently tamp down soil over the roots to prevent air pockets and continue to backfill with loose soil to the surrounding soil level. After planting, deeply water your lantana transplant with low water pressure so the water can thoroughly saturate the root zone before draining away. Water newly transplanted lantana daily for the first 2-3 days, then every other day for a week, then once a week until it establishes.

Lantana (Lantana camara) is a summer-to-fall bloomer known for its bold flower colors. Among wild and cultivated varieties, color can range from bright red and yellow to pastel pink and white. If you’ve seen lantana plants in gardens or in the wild, you’ve probably noticed multi-colored lantana flowers and flower clusters. Different lantana varieties have different combinations of colors, but multiple colors are also often found on a single plant. Individual multi-colored lantana flowers also exist, with one color inside the tube and another on the outer edges of the petals.

Color Changing Lantana Flowers

Like many other members of the verbena plant family (Verbenaceae), lantana bears its flowers in clusters. The flowers on each cluster open in a pattern, beginning in the center and moving out toward the edge. Lantana flower buds typically look one color when they’re closed, then open to reveal another color underneath. Later, the flowers change color as they age. Since a flower cluster has flowers of multiple ages, it will often display different colors in the center and on the edges. You can observe lantana flowers changing color in your garden as the season advances.

Why Do Lantana Flowers Change Color?

Let’s think about why a plant might want to change the color of its flowers. A flower is a plant’s reproductive structure, and its job is to release and collect pollen so it can later produce seeds. Plants use flower color along with fragrance to attract their ideal pollinators, whether they are bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, or anything else. A study by botanists H.Y. Mohan Ram and Gita Mathur, published in the Journal of Economic Botany, found that pollination triggers wild lantana flowers to begin changing from yellow to red. The authors suggest that the yellow color of open, unpollinated flowers directs pollinators to these flowers on a wild lantana. Yellow is attractive to thrips, the top lantana pollinators in many regions. Meanwhile, magenta, orange, and red are less attractive. These colors may turn thrips away from pollinated flowers, where the plant no longer needs the insect and where the insect won’t find as much pollen or nectar.

Chemistry of Color Changing Lantana Flowers

Next, let’s look at what is happening chemically to cause this lantana flower color change. The yellow in lantana flowers comes from carotenoids, pigments that are also responsible for the orange colors in carrots. After pollination, the flowers make anthocyanins, water-soluble pigments that provide deeper red and purple colors. For example, on a lantana variety called American Red Bush, red flower buds open up and display bright yellow interiors. After pollination, anthocyanin pigments are synthesized within each flower. The anthocyanins mix with the yellow carotenoids to make orange, then increasing levels of anthocyanins turn the flowers red as they age.

Lantana is a plant in the Verbena family and a native of tropical America. It is primarily grown as a summer annual but can thrive as a shrubby perennial in tropical regions. These flowering plants can tolerate drought once established but the best development and flowering results from consistent watering. How much water do lantana plants need? We will discuss when to water lantanas for best growth and flower production in this article.

How Much Water Do Lantana Plants Need?

Plant watering needs vary by species and region. Lantana watering needs will differ in humid regions versus arid zones. Too much water may cause root rot and other problems while too little can affect foliage and flower development. Water application is always a fine line between too much and too little in any species. Watering lantana plants is necessary, but how do you determine how much and how frequently to do so? Lantana plant watering is an important part of the species care. As natives of the tropical Americas, lantana are adapted to humid conditions and fairly moist soil. Their drought tolerance is brief and the plants will suffer if they are not given supplemental irrigation. The actual amount of moisture necessary will fluctuate in different conditions. For instance, plants in hanging baskets are exposed to air and evaporation more than in-ground plants. Plants that are mulched to conserve moisture will do better with less water. Each situation needs to be vetted dependent upon the location of the plant.

Watering Lantana Plants in Containers

Determining lantana watering needs is often as simple as inserting your finger into the soil. It sounds simple and it is. Hanging baskets and plants in containers do not have the blanket of soil that in ground plants experience. The roots are more exposed to air and consequential evaporation, meaning container plants require more frequent irrigation than their in-ground counterparts. The smaller soil area to retain moisture and the confinement of the roots also means they cannot seek more moisture in nearby soil. If you use the finger test to check moisture levels, you can be sure when to water lantanas. If soil is dry to your touch, it is time to add moisture. This may be every two days or even every day in hot, arid regions. Where humidity is high, plants can do well with just watering twice per week.

In-Ground Lantana Plant Watering

Plants in the ground have more space to develop a broader root system, which can seek out moisture. They should be watered once per week during their blooming season. Ensure that the soil drains freely, as even weekly watering can create boggy conditions if soil is not loose. This may lead to root rot and other problems. Covering the root zone with a good organic mulch will help hold moisture in while gradually releasing nutrients for plant uptake. Mulch is useful even in hot, dry conditions and it also can help extend the growing season in cooler climates by holding heat in the soil. Avoid overhead watering in both container and in-ground plants, as it can cause foliar diseases due to fungal growth.

Sun-loving lantana grows well in southern climates. Gardeners love lantana because of its brightly colored blossoms that attract butterflies and bloom from spring to frost. If you see your lantana plant turning yellow, it could be nothing or something serious. Read on to learn the range of issues that can cause yellow lantana leaves.

Reasons for Lantana with Yellow Leaves

Premature dormancy – Lantana with yellow leaves may think winter is coming. Lantana is a perennial in warm, frost-free climates. Everywhere else, it grows as an annual or else needs overwintering indoors. Extremely drought tolerant once established, lantana are unable to tolerate cold weather. They die at the first frost. In warmer climates, they go dormant as the weather chills. If you area has been experiencing cool weather lately, your lantana will have noticed. The lantana leaf yellowing may be a reaction to what the plant perceives as the first signs of winter, even if it’s not. If the days warm up, your lantana will get a second wind. In that case, you may not see any more yellow lantana leaves. Treating yellow leaves on lantana is easy if they are due to premature dormancy. Improper cultural care – Lantanas need warm weather, a sunny site and well-draining soil to thrive. Take away any of these and the plant won’t be as vigorous. Treating yellow leaves on lantana that results from improper care requires some effort but is entirely feasible. Lantana prefers warm temperatures, warm soil and direct sun. Generally, the plant won’t grow and develop until the weather warms. Grown in shade, the plant may develop yellow lantana leaves and fade. Transplant your lantana to a sunny site. Likewise, lantana tolerates almost any type of soil as long as it has good drainage. But if you let the plant’s roots sit in mud, expect lantana leaf yellowing and, in time, death. Again, you’ll need to replant your lantana in another location. Botrytis blight – Lantana leaves turning yellow can also be the sign of a serious disease like botrytis blight, also called gray mold. This happens in regions with high humidity and causes lantana leaf yellowing and wilting blossoms. If you use overhead watering, you may be making the problem worse. In time, if your lantana has botrytis blight, the leaves and flowers rot. Try cutting out diseased areas from lantana with yellow leaves. However, if the it doesn’t perk up and you still see lantana leaves turning yellow, you’ll have to dig up the plant and dispose of it. If your plant has blight, treating yellow leaves on lantana is not possible and the disease can spread to other plants. Variety - Another perfectly normal reason for yellowing in lantana plant leaves is the variety. Some types of lantana may have variegation in the foliage. This is nothing to worry about and can actually add a nice accent to the bed.

Lantana is a gorgeous, vividly colored butterfly magnet that blooms abundantly with little attention. Most lantana plants reach heights of 3 to 5 feet (1-1.5 m.), so lantana as a groundcover doesn’t sound very practical – or does it? If you live in USDA plant hardiness zone 9 or above, trailing lantana plants make wonderful year-round groundcovers. Read on to learn more about lantana groundcover plants.

Is Lantana a Good Groundcover?

Trailing lantana plants, native to southern Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia, work exceptionally well as a groundcover in warm climates. They grow fast, reaching heights of only 12 to 15 inches (31-38 cm.). Trailing lantana plants are extremely heat and drought tolerant. Even if the plants look a little worse for wear during hot, dry weather, a good watering will bring them back very quickly. Botanically, trailing lantana are known as either Lantana sellowiana or Lantana montevidensis. Both are correct. However, although lantana loves heat and sunlight, it isn’t crazy about cold and will be nipped when the first frost rolls around in autumn. Keep in mind you can still plant trailing lantana plants if you live in a cooler climate, but only as annuals.

Lantana Ground Cover Varieties

Purple trailing lantana is the most common type of Lantana montevidensis. It is a slightly hardier plant, suitable for planting in USDA zones 8 through 11. Others include:

• L. montevidensis ‘Alba,’ also known as white trailing lantana, produces clusters of sweetly scented, pure white flowers.
• L. montevidensis ‘Lavender Swirl’ produces a profusion of large blooms that emerge white, gradually turning pale lavender, then deepening to a more intense shade of purple.
• L. montevidensis ‘White Lightnin’ is a resilient plant that produces hundreds of pure white blooms.
• L. montevidensis ‘Spreading White’ produces lovely white blooms in spring, summer, and autumn.
• New Gold (Lantana camara x L. montevidensis) – is a hybrid plant with clusters of vivid, golden-yellow blooms. At 2 to 3 feet (31-61 cm.), this is a slightly taller, mounding plant that spreads 6 to 8 feet (2 m.) in width.

Note: Trailing lantana can be a bully and may be considered an invasive plant in certain areas. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Office before planting if aggressiveness is a concern.

Lantana is beloved for its bright flowers that last all summer long and for its reputation as an easy-care shrub. Unfortunately, even lantana can get diseases and needs gardener care. Many times, the disease results from inappropriate cultural care. Read on for a discussion of lantana plant diseases and tips for treating diseases in lantana.

Diseases of Lantana Plants

Even low-maintenance lantana will suffer if you don’t treat it appropriately. Your first defense against diseases that affect lantana is to learn what lantana needs to thrive and provide it. Generally, this includes a sunny location with well-draining soil. Otherwise, it may come down with one of the following diseases of lantana plants. Powdery Mildew – Lantana loves sun and should not be grown in shade. If you grow this vigorous plant in a shady area, it may come down with powdery mildew. You can recognize this fungal disease by the white or gray powdery substance that covers its leaves and stems. This disease, like many lantana plant diseases, doesn’t usually kill the plant. However, it may cause distorted, discolored leaves. For powdery mildew, treating diseases in lantana is not difficult. You can control powdery mildew by rinsing off the plants as soon as you see the symptoms. Then you should apply neem oil to the leaves every few weeks. Botrytis Blight – Botrytis blight, also called gray mold, is another of the fungal diseases that affect lantana. It is caused by excess moisture. Generally, plants do not get this disease if you avoid overhead watering. If your lantana has botrytis blight, you’ll see wet, brown spots on the leaves that soon get covered over by gray mold. You should treat this disease with a fungicide that contains fenhexamid or chlorothalonil.

Other Problems and Diseases of Lantana Plants

You’ll find that there are a few other diseases that affect lantana. One of them is sooty mold that discolors the lantana leaves. Sooty mold is most often caused by an infestation of whiteflies or similar sap-sucking insects. Treat the insects or you’ll have a hard time getting rid of the disease. If you don’t offer your lantana plants the excellent drainage they need, lantanas can get root rot. This might also be a problem if you water too often.

Lantana is the answer to every gardener’s prayers. The plant requires amazingly little care or maintenance, yet it produces colorful blossoms all summer long. What about caring for lantanas over winter? Winter care for lantanas isn’t difficult in warm climates; but if you get frost, you’ll need to do more. Read on for information about overwintering lantana plants.

Overwintering Lantana Plants

Lantana (Lantana camara) is native to Central and South America. However, it has naturalized in the southeast part of the country. Lantana grows to 6 feet (2 m.) tall and 8 feet (2.5 m.) wide, with dark green stems and leaves and the familiar clusters of flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow and pink. These blossoms cover the plant all summer long. When you worry about caring for lantana plants over winter, remember that lantana can grow outdoors all winter long in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 or 10 and above without any special precautions. For these warmer zones, you do not have to concern yourself with lantana winter care. In colder zones, many gardeners prefer to grow lantana as an easy-grow annual blooming vigorously until the frost. It also self-seeds, and may appear the following spring without any action on your part. For those gardeners who live in areas that get frosts in the cooler months, winter care for lantanas is critical if you want to keep the plants alive. Lantanas need a frost free area to survive outdoors in winter.

Caring for Lantanas over Winter

Lantana overwintering is possible with potted plants. Lantana winter care for potted plants involves moving them inside before the first frost. Lantana plants should go dormant in autumn and stay that way through spring. The first step toward winter care for lantanas is to cut back on water (to about ½ inch (1.5 cm.) per week) and stop fertilizing the plants in late summer. Do this about six weeks before you expect the first frost of the year. Position the lantana containers indoors in an unheated room or garage. Place them near a window that gets diffuse light. Part of winter care for lantanas is to turn the pot every week or so to let every side of the plant have some sunlight. Once spring arrives and outdoor low temperatures do not dip below 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12 C.), place the potted lantana outside again. Adjust its position to gradually increase the amount of sunlight the plant gets. Once the plant is outside, water it normally again. It should resume growth as the weather gets warmer.

Lantana is a tough plant that thrives in bright sunlight, drought, and punishing heat. Don’t let the toughness fool you though, as lantana, available in a wide range of bright colors, is extremely beautiful and highly attractive to butterflies. This tropical plant is perennial for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 and above but is widely grown as an annual in cooler climates. It works well in borders and flower beds, and smaller varieties look great in containers. Lantana thrives without a lot of attention, and when it comes to fertilizing lantana plants, less is definitely more. Read on to learn about feeding lantana plants.

Should I Fertilize Lantana?

Should I fertilize lantana? Not necessarily. Fertilizer really isn’t a requirement unless your soil is poor. In this case, lantana benefits from light fertilization in early spring. The exception is lantana grown in containers, as plants in containers aren’t able to draw nutrients from the surrounding soil.

Fertilizing Lantana Plants in Garden

Feed in-ground lantana plants in early spring, using a dry fertilizer. Lantana isn’t picky but, in general, the best fertilizer for lantanas is a good quality, balanced fertilizer with a NPK ratio such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20.

Feeding Lantana Plants in Containers

Lantana plant in containers need regular fertilization, as any nutrients in the potting mix are quickly depleted. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring, then supplement with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks.

Tips on Fertilizing Lantana Plants

Don’t overfertilize lantana. Although fertilizer may create a lush, green plant, the lantana is likely to be weak and will produce very few blooms. Always water deeply after fertilizing. Watering distributes fertilizer evenly around the roots and prevents scorching. A thin layer of mulch around the base of the plant keeps the roots cool and helps replenish soil nutrients. Replenish the mulch as it deteriorates.

Lantana is an irresistible plant with a sweet fragrance and bright blooms that attract hordes of bees and butterflies to the garden. Lantana plants are suitable for growing outdoors only in the warm climates of USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, but growing lantana in containers allows gardeners in cooler climates to enjoy this spectacular tropical plant year-round. Want to learn how to grow lantana in containers? Read on!

Types of Lantana Plants for Containers

Although you can grow any type of lantana in a container, keep in mind that some are very large, reaching heights of up to 6 feet (2 m.), which means they need a very sturdy container. Dwarf types are suitable for standard-size containers, reaching heights of only 12 to 16 inches (30.5 to 40.5 cm.). Dwarf varieties are available in a range of bright colors. Popular choices include:

• ‘Chapel Hill’
• ‘Patriot’
• ‘Denholm White’
• ‘Pinkie’

Also, weeping varieties such as ‘Weeping White’ and ‘Weeping Lavender’ are vine-like plants ideal for containers or hanging baskets. Trailing lantana (Lantana montevidensis), available in white or purple varieties, is a species that reaches heights of 8 to 14 inches (20.5 to 35.5 cm.) but spreads to 4 feet (1 m.) or more.

How to Grow Lantana in Containers

Plant lantana in a container with a drainage hole in the bottom using a lightweight commercial potting mix. Add a handful of sand, vermiculite, or perlite to enhance drainage. Place the container in a location where the lantana plants are exposed to bright sunlight. Water well and keep the plant evenly moist, but never soggy, for the first few weeks.

Caring for Lantana in Pots

Lantana is fairly drought tolerant but benefits from about an inch (2.5 cm.) of water per week once the plant is established. Don’t water until the top of the soil is dry, and never overwater, as lantana is susceptible to rot. Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry. Similarly, don’t crowd the plant as lantana needs plenty of air circulation. Add a small amount of fertilizer in spring if your soil is poor. Be careful about fertilizer, as overfeeding will result in a weak plant with few blooms. Don’t fertilize at all if your soil is rich. Deadhead lantana regularly. Feel free to cut the plant back by one-third if your lantana gets long and leggy in midsummer, or just shear the tips.

Caring for Potted Lantana Plants Indoors

Bring lantana indoors before nighttime temps reach 55 degrees F. (12 C.). Place the plant in a cool area where the plant is exposed to indirect or filtered light. Water when the soil is dry to a depth of 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm.). Move the plant back outdoors when warm weather returns in spring.

Most gardeners and nature enthusiasts love the sight of graceful butterflies flitting from one plant to another. Butterfly gardening has become increasingly popular not only because butterflies are beautiful, but also because they assist in pollination. While there are many plants that attract butterflies, no butterfly garden should be without lantana. Continue reading to learn about lantana and butterflies in the garden.

Attracting Butterflies with Lantana Plants

Butterflies have a highly evolved sense of smell and are attracted to the sweet-smelling nectar of many plants. They also are attracted to plants with bright blue, purple, pink, white, yellow, and orange blooms. Additionally, butterflies prefer plants with flat or dome-shaped clusters of small tubal flowers that they can safely perch on as they drink the sweet nectar. So, does lantana attract butterflies? Yes! Lantana plants provide all these butterfly preferences. Lantana is a hardy perennial in zones 9 to 11, but northern gardeners often grow it as an annual. There are over 150 varieties of this tough heat and drought tolerant plant, but there are two main types that are grown, trailing and upright. Trailing varieties come in many colors, oftentimes with more than one color on the same flower dome. These trailing plants are excellent in hanging baskets, containers, or as groundcovers. Upright lantana also comes in many color variations, can grow up to 6 feet (2 m.) tall in certain climates, and is an excellent addition to any flower bed or landscape. Some butterflies that commonly visit lantana for its nectar are:

• Hairstreaks
• Swallowtails
• Monarchs
• Checkered whites
• Cloudless sulfur
• Red spotted purples
• Red admirals
• Painted ladies
• Gulf fritillaries
• Queens
• Great southern whites
• Atlas

Hairstreak butterflies and certain Lepidopteras will also use lantana as host plants. Lantana attracts hummingbirds and Sphinx moths too. Many birds feed upon the seeds after the flowers have faded. Male weaver birds use lantana to decorate their nests to attract female weaver birds as well. As you can see, lantana plants are great additions to have around, so if you want to see some butterflies on lantana, be sure to add the lovely flowers to the landscape.

Lantanas are striking flowering plants that thrive in the heat of summer. Grown as perennials in frost-free climates and annuals everywhere else, lantanas ought to bloom as long as it’s warm out. That being said, you can take steps to encourage even more flowers. Keep reading to learn more about when and how to deadhead lantana flowers.

Should I Deadhead Lantana Plants?

We get a lot of questions about deadheading lantana plants. While deadheading is sometimes a good idea, it can also get pretty tedious. The basic idea behind deadheading is that once a flower has faded, it’s replaced by seeds. The plant needs energy to make these seeds and, unless you’re planning on saving them, that energy could be better devoted to making more flowers. By cutting off the flower before the seeds start to form, you’re basically giving the plant extra energy for new flowers. Lantanas are interesting because some varieties have been bred to be virtually seedless. So before you undertake a big deadheading project, take a look at your spent flowers. Is there a seedpod beginning to form? If there is, then your plant will really benefit from regular deadheading. If there isn’t, then you’re in luck! Removing spent blooms on lantana plants like this won’t do much of anything.

When to Deadhead a Lantana

Deadheading lantana plants during the blooming period can help make way for new flowers. But if all your blooms have faded and the fall frost is still far away, you can take measures beyond simply removing spent blooms on lantana plants. If all of the flowers have faded and there are no new buds growing, prune back the whole plant to ¾ of its height. Lantanas are vigorous and fast-growing. This should encourage new growth and a new set of flowers.

Lantana plants are tough flowering annuals or perennials. They thrive in hot, sunny locations and are drought tolerant once established. Wilting lantana plants may simply need a bit more moisture than they are getting or there may be another underlying cause. If your lantana bush is dying, it is important to check the soil and get a good look at the plant to rule out any insect or disease issues. Lantanas are resilient plants with a full season's beautiful flowers but even the hardiest specimens can be prey to pest and disease problems or simply cultural inconsistencies.

Is My Lantana Dying?

Lantana plants are sun-loving plants with colorful flowers that undergo several hue changes as they mature. Many of the plants also produce bluish black fleshy fruits which can be poisonous in large quantities. If your lantana plant is drooping you may wonder, "is my lantana dying?" In most cases, the cause is easy to deduce and getting the plant back on track should just take a little time and TLC. It can often be hard to tell what is going wrong with an ailing plant. The proper situation for lantana plants is in full sun, in well-draining, organic rich soil and with average moisture. Wilting lantana plants may need a bit more water than you are giving them. While they are drought tolerant once mature, they still require deep watering from the base of the plant once per week in the summer. Container plants should have good drainage holes for excess water to leach out of. In the absence of good drainage, root rot is common and can cause a lantana plant wilting. Even if the plant is looking a bit peaked, it can still be salvaged by good watering practices and a soil change if the medium in which they grow doesn't drain well.

Common Causes of Lantana Plant Wilting

Pests

Whiteflies are common pests on lantana. They leave a sticky substance, called honeydew, which promotes the formation of sooty mold on leaves. If the plant's leaves are sticky or have blackish gray fungal growth on them, this could be the cause of wilting. The leaves should be washed clean and sprayed with horticultural soap to deter these flying pests. With consistent application and clean bursts of water, the plant should return to its robust self quickly. Leaf miners are also a common pest of lantana. The larvae live and feed within the leaves, reducing foliar health and may be why your lantana plant is drooping. The lantana lace bug is another insect pest that damages its foliage, causing discoloration and wilting or dropping of the plant. Many beneficial insects feed on lace bug pests. Insecticidal soap and neem oil sprays may also help.

Fungal diseases

Diseases are generally fungal. Excess moisture and warm temperatures encourage spore formation. Botrytis blight, a common ornamental fungal disease, causes drooping, discoloration, and can make it look like a lantana bush is dying. Prune out infected tissue and avoid overhead watering. Rust fungus also may be a problem.

Nutrient issues

Container plants will often recover if repotted. Choose a good potting soil and container with drainage holes. Sometimes plants do not have good root to soil contact and are not getting enough nutrition or moisture. Spread out the roots gently and press soil around them. Water after repotting. In-ground plants can be replanted as well. Check soil nutrient levels and adjust for drainage if the area is clay and tends to form puddles rather than percolate down to the roots of plants. Usually, if you work in a good amount of well-rotted compost or leaf litter into the soil, the drainage will improve while adding natural nutrients to feed the lantana. Iron deficiencies, lack of potassium, calcium, or phosphorus can cause leaf drooping. Test soil and use an appropriate fertilizer to amend nutrient deficiencies. Once soil is at a good level, provide water and keep an eye on the plant. In most cases, if nutrient levels have been adjusted, the plant will recover quickly.

Summer flowers are the song in the season's heart. Lantanas are perfect examples of lively colored blooms that persist all season long. Over 150 species make up the family and there are many more types of lantana from which to choose due to heavy hybridization. One of the lantana varieties, Lantana camara, should be avoided in moist, warm regions where it can naturalize and become a pest plant. Most of the varieties of lantana are annuals, unless grown in the warmer regions of the continent.

Lantana Varieties

Lantana nursery species are derived primarily from Lantana camara and Lantana montevidensis, a trailing form. Common lantana (L. camara) is the most cultivated form of the group. Wild lantana (Lantana horrida), found in Texas and other warm, arid regions, has pungently scented leaves. Lantana plants for the garden can flower all year in warmer climates. There are now dwarf forms of the plant as well as the trailing and bushy varieties of lantana.

Trailing Lantana Plant Varieties

Lantana plants that are hybridized from L. montevidensis produce long branches. These are useful in containers as trailing accents and most get less than 12 inches (31 cm.) tall. 'Clear White,' 'Trailing Yellow,' and 'Weeping Lavender' have names indicative of their spreading habit. There is also 'New Gold' and 'Alba' as well as 'White Lightning' and 'Lavender Swirl.' The dwarf or petite lantana varieties also tend to have a spreading habit. The smallest lantana available are in the Patriot series. 'Patriot Popcorn' and 'Patriot Honeyglove' are white and yellow with Honeyglove adding blush pink to the flower display.

Bushy Types of Lantana

One of the most commonly grown species is "Miss Huff." It is a reliable bushy form that can get 5 to 6 feet (1.5-2 m.) tall in one season. The flowers are a gorgeous mixture of coral, orange, pink, and yellow. For elegant red, orange, and yellow blooms try 'New Red.' 'Samantha' is bright yellow and has variegated foliage. Many of the bushy forms are also sterile, meaning they won't produce toxic fruits. 'Pinkie' is bicolor and a compact sterile plant, while 'Patriot Dean Day Smith' is a pastel plant that produces a 5 foot (1.5 m.) tall mound. One of the most astounding lantana plant varieties is 'Silver Mound,' which as its name suggests, has icy white flowers with golden centers.

Popcorn Lantana Varieties

One of the quirkiest types of lantana are the popcorn varieties. They are developed for their clusters of fruit. Plants grow 3 feet (1 m.) tall with a similar spread and produce elongated colorful fruit after bloom. Popcorn lantana (Lantana trifolia) includes two main cultivars: Fruity Pebbles and Lavender Popcorn. These are native to Central and South America and prefer hot, sunny locations. The species is also known as 3-leaved lantana due to the leaves which appear in whorls of three. The bright purple to pink dense clusters of fruits are often thought to be more ornamental than the flowers themselves, and the plants grow rapidly in tropical to sub-tropical regions.

Lantanas are amazingly reliable and beautiful members of the landscape, but sometimes they just won't bloom. The delicate, clustered flowers of lantana attract butterflies and passersby alike, but when these sturdy, dependable bushes are more fizzle than sizzle, you may start searching for ways of making lantana bloom. No flowers on lantana have a number of causes, but by far the most common cause is planting them in the wrong spot. If your lantana won't bloom, take a look at these reasons why a lantana does not flower.

Reasons for Lantana Not Blooming

Even though lantana is usually blooming when you buy it at the nursery, it may not continue to bloom once you plant it. This is a common problem for all shrubs after transplantation-- all the manipulation of roots and change of scenery can cause a significant amount of shock that causes flowers and buds to drop shortly after planting. It's a normal reaction that will clear up over time, but if an established lantana does not flower, you've probably got one of these problems on your hands:

• Too Much Shade - Lantana needs full sun in order to bloom properly and that means at least six hours of full sun (eight or more is even better). When flowering plants like lantana are deprived of sunlight, they lack the energy to bloom.
• Excess TLC - When plants have evolved in tough conditions like the lantana has, too much care can give them the impression that they're living the easy life and don't need to worry about reproducing. Without a need to reproduce, lantana has no motivation to bloom, so lay off the deep waterings and heavy fertilizer.
• Lace Bug Insects - Lantana plants are generally pretty pest resistant, but they can be bothered by lantana lace bug insects. These pests feed on the leaves, and their damage often resembles that of leafhoppers. It can stress the plants so much that they refuse to bloom. If everything else seems right, but your lantana still won't bloom, look for tiny insects on the undersides of the leaves. You can kill them with insecticidal soap, like this read-to-use Bonide Insecticidal Soap from Amazon. Once your plants recover, they should bloom happily again.
• Mysterious Green Pods - Check your plant carefully for small green pods. These are the young seeds of the lantana plant. Once the plant has begun forming seeds, it has no reason to continue blooming since it accomplished its sole mission in life. Cut off the pods to stimulate new flowering.

Lantanas are most known for their immensely vibrant flowers and unique ability to attract pollinators of all types. A cluster of lantana flowers start out all one color, but as the blossoms age they change to different colors, giving the cluster an interesting, multicolor appearance.

Hardy to USDA growing zone 8, these dependable tender perennials grow quickly to form dense, attractive mounds in flower beds and at the front of mixed borders. Their small stature also lends their use as potted or container plants, which are sure to add color and appeal to patios and porches.

Beyond its hardiness zone, lantana is often grown as an annual. This means that gardeners will need to purchase new plants each spring, or familiarize themselves with the propagation of lantana plants. Learning how to propagate lantana will be helpful in maintaining many of your favorite varieties year after year.

How to Propagate Lantana

There are two ways to propagate a lantana: seed propagation and cutting propagation. Both are possible, though they will likely have different results.

Lantanas grown in the garden are often hybrids, so be forewarned that propagating lantana from seed may not result in offspring that are similar to the parent plant. To collect the seeds, harvest the small black berries when they are fully ripe and remove the seeds from the berries. Clean the seeds and allow them to dry for a couple of days before storing them in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Cuttings always produce a plant exactly like the parent plant. If you are partial to the color or other characteristics of a particular plant, take cuttings in the spring rather than growing lantana from seed. To preserve plants until spring in cool climates, cut them back and then pot them up so that you can care for them indoors over winter.

Can You Grow Lantana from Seed?

Lantana can be found in most garden centers in early spring. Most growers choose to buy and transplant these starts into their beds, as lantana seeds can be somewhat difficult to germinate. Still, many may have interest in growing the plant in this manner.

As several hybrid lantana cultivars are available, it's important to note that the seeds produced from many of these plants may yield varied results. Seeds from hybrids may be sterile or vary greatly from their parent in terms of appearance. Those determined to propagate lantana from seed will have the best chances of success provided that all of their needs for growth have been met.

How to Grow Lantana from Seed

• Start lantana seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before you plan to transplant them outdoors.
• Soak seeds for 12-24 hours in clean, warm water to soften the seed coat.
• Fill small, individual pots to within ½ inch (1 cm) of the top with soilless seed starting medium and moisten the medium with water.
• Lay one or two seeds in the center of each pot and cover them with 1/8 inch (3 mm) of soil.
• If more than one seedling emerges, clip out the weakest plant with a pair of scissors.
• Keep the soil consistently moist and at a steady temperature between 70 and 75 F (21-24 C) day and night. A good way to maintain the moisture is to place the pots in a clear plastic bag. You can keep temperatures steady with a heat mat.
• While the pots are in the bag, keep them away from direct sunlight. Check the pots often and remove the bag as soon as the seedlings emerge.
• Be patient, and don't give up hope if your seedlings don't sprout right away. Even under ideal conditions, you can expect germination to take 6 to 8 weeks.

How to Grow Lantana from Cuttings

Propagating lantana from cuttings is a more reliable technique. This method will produce plants that are the same as the parent plant. This is especially helpful for growers hoping to overwinter their favorite varieties or those hoping to increase the numbers of lantanas in their garden beds. Begin the process in the spring to allow ample time for the development of new roots.

Propagating lantana plants from cuttings:

• Take cuttings of new growth in spring.
• Cut 4-inch (10 cm) tips from the stems and remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only the uppermost 1-2 sets of true leaves at the top.
• Prepare a small pot of seed starting mix or a half-and-half mixture of peat moss and perlite. Moisten the mix with water and make a hole 2 inches (5 cm) deep in the center of the pot with a pencil.
• Coat the lower 2 inches (5 cm) of the cutting with rooting hormone. (Though rooting hormone is not essential, it may help to speed the process).
• Place the cutting in the hole, firming the medium around the base so it stands up straight.
• Place three or four craft sticks in the soil near the edge of the pot. Space them evenly around the pot. Put the potted cutting in a plastic bag and seal the top. The craft sticks will keep the bag from touching the cutting.
• Each cutting should be watered well at planting, and kept consistently moist throughout the following weeks.
• Check occasionally to make sure the soil is moist, but otherwise leave the cutting undisturbed until you see signs of new growth.
• Rooting takes three to four weeks. After two weeks, you can check the plants by gently tugging at the base of each cutting. Any resistance will indicate that the plants have been successfully rooted.
• Remove the cutting from the bag and place it in a sunny window until you are ready to transplant it outdoors.

How and when to prune lantana bushes is often a highly debated topic. One thing that is agreed upon is the fact that depending on the type of lantana, these plants can get quite large—up to six feet (2 m.) tall and sometimes just as wide. 

Therefore, trimming lantana plants is something that gardeners will eventually have to do. If not kept under control, not only will they become an eyesore, but they may potentially take over and crowd out other nearby plants.

When Lantana Pruning Should Be Done?

Some people believe you should be trimming lantana plants in winter, while others say spring. Basically, you should go with whatever timing works best for you; however, spring is always preferable. Not only do you want to remove old growth, but you also want to ensure hardiness throughout winter, especially in colder regions. For this reason, fall is definitely out when it comes to pruning lantanas, as this can make them more susceptible to winter cold and moisture brought about by any precipitation. 

This moisture is thought to be a leading factor in the rotting of lantana crowns.

How to Prune Lantana Plants

In late winter or early spring, you should prune lantanas back to about six inches to a foot (15 to 30.5 cm.) from the ground, especially if there's a lot of old or dead growth. Overgrown plants can be pruned back to about a third of their height (and spread if necessary). To do this, you'll need a pair of pruners like the Felco F6 Pruning Shearers from Amazon.

You can also lightly trim lantana plants periodically throughout the season to stimulate new growth and encourage flowering. This is usually done by trimming lantana tips back about one to three inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm.). Following the pruning of lantana plants, you may also want to apply some light fertilizer. 

This will not only encourage quicker blooms but will also help to nourish and rejuvenate the plants after both the long winter nap as well as any stress associated with pruning.

Lantana is a small, woody shrub native to tropical Africa and South America. It has become popular in North America for its showy, multi-colored and long-lasting blooms. Lantana is an annual or houseplant in most areas but can be grown as a perennial in the warmest parts of the U.S.

Lantana Plant Care

As an annual or as a perennial in warmer climates, lantana is a tough species that tolerates a lot of poor conditions. It manages to thrive in poor soil, high heat, drought, and salt. This makes it easy to grow a large shrub with minimal maintenance.

Lantana is also known for its pretty flowers. When flowering, lantana produces multiple small blooms in dense, two-inch (5-cm) clusters. They can be orange, pink, red, yellow, purple, and white, often with multiple colors within a cluster. The flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators.

Water & Light Requirements

The lantana bush prefers and will bloom best in full sun. It also tolerates drought but will bloom most prolifically when watered regularly. The soil should maintain medium moisture but also drain very well. Overwatering can decrease the number of flowers and cause root rot. Water only when the first couple of inches (5 cm) of soil are dry. You can use a digital moisture meter like this one from Amazon to ensure you aren't overwatering your lantana.

Soil & Fertilizer Needs

Lantana will tolerate poor and even salty soil, but it grows best in slightly acidic, well-draining soil with high organic content. In a container, a general, high-quality potting mix, like this Back to the Roots organic potting mix on Amazon, is adequate.

Fertilizer is generally not necessary for lantana. You can use a general fertilizer in spring at half strength, but too much will decrease flowering. If you add fertilizer to the soil when planting lantana, you do not need to fertilize it again.

Problems, Pests & Diseases

Root rot due to overwatering or poor drainage is one of the most common issues associated with lantana but is also easy to avoid. Powdery mildew can become a problem. To prevent it, make sure there is good airflow in the plant and avoid getting the plant wet when watering. A drip irrigation system, like this one from Amazon, can help ensure you are only getting the roots wet. In terms of pests, watch out for white flies and spider mites.

Pruning Lantana

Prune lantana bushes to maintain the desired size and shape. Do a hard pruning in spring to remove woody old growth and promote new growth. You can also trim lightly in summer to promote additional blooming.

Propagating Lantana

The best way to propagate lantana is by cuttings. Trim off about six inches (15 cm) of a stem with no flowers. Remove leaves from the bottom few inches and place in water or a propagation station, like this one from Amazon. Plant the cutting in soil once it has developed several roots.

Lantana Varieties

There are many cultivars of L. camara available. Some are hybrids with L. monteviensis. Most are mounding shrubs, but some have trailing characteristics. Several varieties of Lantana are available at Walmart.

• Clear White - This cultivar has a spreading growth habit and completely white flowers.
• Miss Huff - Miss Huff is hardier than some other varieties and grows tall and quickly. It is sterile and has orange, gold, and reddish flowers.
• Mozelle - Mozelle is similar to Miss Huff but the flower colors are softer.
• New Gold - This is a newer cultivar with solid, bright yellow flowers. It is sterile and grows smaller than many other varieties.
• Patriot Cowboy - Even smaller is Patriot Cowboy, the most compact variety. It only grows about 12 inches (30 cm) high and wide. The flowers begin bright yellow and change to orange.
• New Red - New Red offers the reddest option for lantana flowers and also has some orange and yellow.
• Samantha - This sterile variety produces lemon-yellow flowers and has unique variegated foliage in chartreuse and dark green.
• Patriot Popcorn - This small variety has a weeping form and is great for containers. The flowers are white and yellow.
• Imperial Purple - Imperial Purple trails and has striking purple flowers that bloom profusely.

In some areas, including South Florida, lantana is considered invasive. You can still safely enjoy it in the garden by using new, sterile cultivars. They do not produce pollen or seeds. Some examples of these include Bloomify Red, Bloomify Rose, and Luscious Royale Red Zone.

In addition to L. camara, look for L. montevidensis, a trailing lantana species that is hardy through zone 8. Grow it as a trailing low shrub or in a hanging container.