How to Grow Lantana
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Lantana
Lantana camara
shrubLantana is a vigorous, heat and drought-tolerant tropical shrub prized for its clusters of small, colorful flowers that bloom in combinations of red, orange, yellow, pink, and white. The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds throughout the growing season. It's a low-maintenance ornamental shrub that thrives in warm climates and poor soil conditions.
When should you plant Lantana in your zone?
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Example Lantana timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lantana
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Lantana
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lantana dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-11; grown as annual in colder zones
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Seedling/Transplant
3-4 weeksYoung plants establish root systems and develop 2-4 sets of true leaves
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Pinch growing tips to encourage branching.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksBush develops multiple stems and expanding foliage; plant grows taller and wider
Continue regular watering and feeding with balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Pinch tips as needed to shape. Ensure full sun exposure.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (or longer with deadheading)Clusters of small flowers appear in varied color combinations; flowers are tightly bunched in flat-topped or rounded inflorescences
Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage continuous blooming. Apply flower-promoting fertilizer (higher phosphorus). Water consistently.
Peak Bloom & Butterfly Attraction
4-8 weeks in ideal conditionsPlant is covered with vibrant flower clusters attracting numerous butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds
Maintain regular watering and feeding schedule. Continue deadheading. Monitor for pests. Avoid over-fertilizing nitrogen which reduces flowers.
Winter Dormancy (Zones 8-9)
2-4 monthsIn cooler zones, lantana loses leaves and enters dormancy; may die back to ground
Reduce watering significantly. Do not fertilize. Prune dead wood in spring after last frost. Protect with mulch in zone 8. Bring containers indoors in zones below 8.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil in early morning. Remove heavily infested leaves. Encourage natural predators.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Increase air circulation.
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Mist foliage regularly to increase humidity. Spray with water to dislodge. Use miticide if severe.
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Hand-pick beetles in early morning. Apply spinosad or organic insecticide if population is high.
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Improve air circulation. Remove affected leaves. Spray with sulfur or baking soda solution. Avoid overhead watering.
Uses
Traditional beverage
CulinaryIn some tropical regions, lantana flowers have been used to make herbal teas, though the plant contains toxic compounds in berries and foliage so only flowers should be used with caution and proper identification. [source]
Pollinator magnet
WildlifeLantana is an exceptional nectar source that attracts numerous butterfly species, hummingbirds, and other pollinating insects throughout the blooming season. Its clustered flowers provide abundant pollen and nectar. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
HouseholdThe long-lasting, colorful flower clusters are excellent for fresh or dried floral arrangements and add tropical flair to indoor displays. [source]
Traditional herbal remedies
MedicinalIn traditional medicine systems of tropical regions, lantana leaves have been used to address various ailments, though modern safety data is limited. Only use under guidance of trained herbalists. [source]
Drying and botanical art
CraftLantana flower clusters dry beautifully and retain color well, making them excellent for dried arrangements, pressed flower projects, and botanical crafts. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Lantana is not harvested for edible or medicinal use. Deadhead spent flower clusters by pinching or cutting just below the finished blooms to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. Cut back severely in spring (zones 8-9) or in fall before bringing indoors (zones below 8).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Lantana flower color changes as the flowers age—red flowers may shift to orange or yellow, creating a multi-colored effect on a single cluster that blooms simultaneously.
- 🌱 Lantana is considered invasive in some tropical and subtropical regions outside its native range due to its vigorous growth and seed dispersal by birds eating the berries.
- 🌱 The plant's strong, aromatic foliage has a distinctive peppery scent when brushed and is believed to repel some insects, making it useful in natural pest management for gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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