Lantanas are hardy, fragrant, ornamental plants that originated in wild tropical climates and have since adapted to grow in dry, arid areas. They’re tailor-made for Southern California’s hot, dry summers.
They’re pretty and practical, too — it’s the holy trifecta of gardening! Here’s why they’re worth considering for your yard:
- Vibrant Color: Their blooms come in shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, and white, often featuring multi-colored clusters.
- Low Maintenance: They offer beauty without constant upkeep.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds love them.
- Heat Resistant: They can easily withstand Southern California’s frequent heatwaves.
- Ground Erosion Control: Their sprawling growth habit makes them a top choice for stabilizing soil on slopes and hillsides.
- Adaptability: Some varieties can be pruned into shrubs or trained into trees, while others can be grown as ground cover.
- Long Blooming Season: These plants flower from spring until late fall.
4 Lantana Varieties for Southern California
- Lantana camara: Popular for ground covers and vibrant flowers.
- Trailing Lantana (Lantana montevidensis): Perfect for cascading over walls or filling hanging baskets.
- Landmark Series Lantana: Known for compact growth and pastel blooms.
- New Gold Lantana: A bright yellow ground cover highly resistant to pests.
Southern California’s Mediterranean climate is well-suited for all of the above.
Lantana camera is a popular ground cover plant.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Light
- Lantanas thrive in full sun.
- Ensure they receive 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming.
- They can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced.
Temperature
- Lantanas prefer warm weather and tolerate temperatures above 100°F.
- They can survive light frost but might need protection if temperatures dip below 28°F.
Soil
- Well-draining soil is critical for Lantana plants.
- They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH level (6.0 – 7.0).
- Soil amendments such as compost or peat moss can improve drainage and nutrient retention.
A Lantana montevidensis plant trails from a granite wall in Spain.
Propagating Lantana
Lantanas are easy to propagate from cuttings.
- Snip 4-6 inches of healthy stems just below a node.
- Strip leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
- Place the cuttings in moist soil or water to root (ensure bright indirect light).
- Once roots are established, move cuttings to a permanent spot.
Planting Lantana
The best time to plant Lantanas is in the spring, but they can be planted anytime if temperatures are above freezing.
- Select a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
- Loosen soil and mix in compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and nutrients.
- Dig a hole twice the root ball’s size but no deeper than its height.
- Position the Lantana in the hole, backfill with soil, and gently press around the base.
- Give a deep watering to help establish roots.
Lantana Care
Water
- Lantanas are drought-tolerant but require regular watering during their first growing season to establish a healthy root system.
- Once established, water once or twice weekly, depending on rainfall and soil conditions.
- Avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot.
- Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and keep weeds at bay.
A Black Swallowtail butterfly feeds on New Gold Lantana flowers.
Fertilizer
- For better blooms, apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring.
- Avoid over-fertilization, which encourages foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
- Too much nitrogen in fertilizers can cause yellowing leaves and susceptibility to pests.
Pests & Diseases
Lantanas are generally pest-resistant but sometimes face issues with:
- Whiteflies and Mites – Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Powdery Mildew – Avoid overhead watering and keep proper air circulation.
A Lantana plant shaped into a shrub.
Pruning
Regular pruning keeps Lantanas bushy and promotes more blooms.
- Trim back 1/3 of the plant in early spring to encourage new growth.
- Deadhead blooms throughout the season to extend blooming periods.
- Shape the plant as desired throughout the year.
Growing Lantana in Pots
Lantanas also do well in pots if you’re short on garden space.
- Use a container at least 12-14 inches in diameter with drainage holes.
- Place your pot in a sunny spot.
- Potted Lantanas may dry out faster and will need more frequent watering.
- Refresh the soil and repot every 2-3 years to prevent overcrowding.
A closeup of Sunrise Lantana blossoms and foliage.
FAQs: Lantana Care
Q: Is Lantana toxic to pets?
Yes, Lantanas can be toxic to pets if ingested. Keep them out of reach from curious cats and dogs.
Q: How fast does Lantana grow?
Lantanas grow rapidly, reaching full size within a single growing season when given proper care.
Q: Can Lantanas survive frost?
Light frost is tolerable, but they should be covered or brought indoors during freezes in colder areas.
Q: How often should Lantanas be watered?
Once established, water deeply every 7-10 days during dry periods.
Q: When do Lantanas bloom?
Lantanas bloom from spring through late fall, and they might bloom year-round in warmer regions.
Q: Can I grow Lantanas indoors?
While not ideal, you can grow Lantanas indoors with sufficient sunlight. Place them in a south-facing window.
Q: How do I control Lantana’s growth?
Regular pruning helps control size and shape. If grown as ground cover, limit spread by trimming runners.
Q: Why is my Lantana not flowering?
Ensure it gets adequate sunlight (6+ hours daily) and avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen-rich products, which promote leaf growth over blooms.