Lantana
Lantana camaraUSDA | Grow Zone
8-11Outdoors all year in zones 8 to 11. Anywhere colder, keep it as a houseplant. Protect it below 32°F.
- Light
- Full sun, 6-8 hours
- Water
- Allow to dry out
- Humidity
- 40-60%
- Temperature
- 60-80°F
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Growth
- Moderate
- Mature size
- 3-5 ft tall, 3-4 ft wide
- Pets
- Toxic to pets and humans
Lantana camara, commonly known as Lantana, is a colorful, hardy flowering plant native to tropical regions. Its vibrant blooms attract pollinators and add beauty to gardens, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant options.
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Ideal temperature
60-80°F is where it grows fastest. Below 32°F cold damage starts.
Spacing and harvest
- Mature size
- 3-5 ft tall, 3-4 ft wide
- Plant apart
- 24-36 in
- Frost
- Half hardy: light frost only
Everything it needs
9 essentials at a glance
Watering
Lantana camara prefers to be watered thoroughly but allowed to dry out between waterings.
Water every 1-2 weeks during the growing season, reducing frequency in winter. Signs of over-watering include yellowing leaves and root rot, while under-watering may cause wilting and leaf drop.
Light
This plant thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Ideal placements include south or west-facing gardens or patios. While it can tolerate partial shade, less sunlight may result in leggy growth and fewer blooms.
Soil
Lantana prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
A mix of potting soil, sand, and perlite is recommended for optimal drainage. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain moisture, as this can lead to root rot.
Humidity
Lantana camara prefers moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%.
To increase humidity, mist the leaves or place a humidity tray nearby. Signs of low humidity include browning leaf tips and overall plant stress.
Temperature
This plant thrives in temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C) and is hardy in zones 8-11.
It can tolerate brief periods of heat up to 100°F (38°C) but is sensitive to frost, so bring indoors or cover during cold snaps.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Reduce or stop fertilizing in the fall and winter. Signs of nutrient deficiency include yellowing leaves and poor flowering.
Pruning
Prune Lantana in early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches.
Use sharp, clean pruning shears and cut back about one-third of the plant. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers and prolongs blooming.
Repotting
Repot Lantana every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound.
Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Signs it needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes and stunted growth. To repot, gently remove the plant from its current pot, loosen the roots, and place it in fresh potting mix.
Propagation
Lantana can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds.
For cuttings, take 4-6 inch sections from healthy stems, remove lower leaves, and place in moist potting mix. Keep the cuttings in a warm, bright location and maintain humidity until roots develop, usually within 2-4 weeks. Seeds can be sown in spring after the last frost.
When it's unhappy
Yellow leaves
Why it happens
Over-watering or nutrient deficiency
How to fix it
Check soil moisture and reduce watering frequency. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer if nutrient deficiency is suspected.
Wilting
Why it happens
Under-watering or root rot
How to fix it
Water the plant thoroughly if the soil is dry. If root rot is suspected, remove the plant from the pot, trim away affected roots, and repot in fresh soil.
Leggy growth
Why it happens
Insufficient light
How to fix it
Move the plant to a sunnier location to ensure it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Pest infestations (aphids, spider mites)
Why it happens
High humidity and poor air circulation
How to fix it
Inspect the plant regularly, and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Improve air circulation around the plant.
Poor flowering
Why it happens
Lack of deadheading or insufficient sunlight
How to fix it
Regularly deadhead spent blooms to encourage new flowers and ensure the plant receives adequate sunlight.
Care through the year
Spring
In spring, prune back any dead or damaged branches and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer to encourage new growth.
Summer
During summer, ensure consistent watering and deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering.
Fall
In fall, reduce watering as temperatures drop and prepare the plant for winter by bringing it indoors if necessary.
Winter
In winter, keep Lantana in a cool, bright location if indoors, and reduce watering to prevent root rot.
Toxicity & Safety
Lantana camara is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. The leaves and unripe berries contain compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms may vary based on the amount ingested.
Good to know
How often should I water my Lantana?
Water Lantana every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Adjust frequency based on the season and environmental conditions.
Why are my Lantana leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves can indicate over-watering or nutrient deficiency. Check the soil moisture and consider fertilizing if the plant has not been fed recently.
Can Lantana survive winter?
Lantana is not frost-tolerant and should be brought indoors or covered during winter in colder climates. In warmer zones, it can survive outdoors with some protection.
How do I encourage more blooms on my Lantana?
To promote more blooms, regularly deadhead spent flowers and ensure the plant receives full sun for at least 6 hours a day.
What pests affect Lantana?
Common pests include aphids and spider mites. Regularly inspect your plant and treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Is Lantana safe for pets?
Lantana is toxic to pets if ingested, particularly the leaves and unripe berries. Symptoms may include vomiting and diarrhea, so keep it out of reach.
What type of fertilizer is best for Lantana?
Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth and blooming.
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