Lantana is one of the most rewarding plants you can grow in a Florida landscape: heat-tolerant, drought-resistant, and covered in blooms for most of the year with very little fuss. Here's how to plant and care for it so it thrives.
Planting
Lantana does best in full sun, at least 6 hours of direct light daily, and well-drained soil. It tolerates poor, sandy Florida soil without complaint and doesn't need heavy amending before planting. Space plants 2 to 4 feet apart depending on the variety, since many spreading types fill in quickly. Plant after your last frost date if you're in a colder inland zone.
Watering
Once established, lantana is quite drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out between waterings. Water new plants regularly for the first few weeks to help roots establish, then taper off. Overwatering is a bigger risk than underwatering, since soggy soil can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing
Lantana doesn't need much feeding. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring is usually enough. Too much fertilizer, especially high-nitrogen formulas, produces excess foliage at the expense of blooms.
Pruning
Hard pruning is the secret to keeping lantana full and floriferous. Cut plants back by a third to a half in late winter before new growth starts. This encourages fresh, bushy growth and a strong flush of blooms through the growing season. You can also lightly shape or deadhead throughout the year to keep plants tidy.
Cold Care
In North and Central Florida, a hard freeze can kill lantana back to the ground. Established plants typically resprout from the roots once temperatures warm, so leave the dead growth in place over winter as some protection, then prune it away in early spring.
Pests and Problems
Lantana is generally pest-resistant, though whiteflies and lace bugs occasionally appear. Insecticidal soap or neem oil handles most infestations. Poor drainage is a more common issue than pests, so make sure your planting site doesn't stay soggy.
Getting Started
Lantana rewards minimal effort with months of color and heavy pollinator traffic. Browse our lantana for sale to find the right variety and color for your garden.
Running into leggy growth or sparse blooms despite good care? Check our guide to common lantana problems. And if you're still deciding on a look, browse the best lantana colors for Florida gardens.
Just brought one home? See our guide to your new lantana plant's first few weeks for hydration, potting, and planting timing.