Naturally, the Lantana usually grows as a bushy shrub, though some varieties have even evolved into climbers. However, seeing a Lantana in the form of a little tree is a different story—that usually only happens with a bit of strategic pruning. Because it takes some extra effort to get that look, buying a pre-trained Lantana tree at the nursery can be pretty pricey. The good news? You can totally train your own Lantana into a beautiful “standard” (that’s gardener-speak for a tree-like shape) right at home!
Pick the Right Candidate
If you want to succeed in training a tree, you need to start with the right plant. Look for a specimen with a single, strong main stem. A sturdy central leader is crucial because you’ll be stripping away the side branches, and the plant needs enough structural integrity to stand tall without losing its balance.
The Step-by-Step Approach
Once you’ve identified that strong main stem, it’s time to get to work. Remove all the side shoots from the bottom up, leaving only the top three or four branches. These top survivors will eventually form the lush “crown” of your tree. After sniping off those lower branches, it’s vital to give your plant some support. Grab a bamboo stake or something similar and secure it to the main stem using soft garden ties or tree tape. This gives your budding tree the stability it needs while it gains strength.
Focusing on Upward Growth
As your Lantana continues to grow, keep a close eye on that main trunk. You’ll want to pinch off any new side shoots as soon as they appear. By doing this, you’re telling the plant to direct all its energy into the main stem and those top branches. This focus helps the trunk thicken up while the crown starts to fill out.
Creating a Full, Dense Crown
To get that gorgeous, “lollipop” look, you can’t just let the top grow wild. You need to prune the upper branches regularly. A good rule of thumb is to let a branch grow until it has about three or four pairs of leaves, then trim it back. This type of maintenance encourages the plant to branch out more, resulting in a much thicker, flower-packed canopy.
To recap, here’s your checklist for training a Lantana tree:
- Start with a strong, healthy main stem.
- Consistently remove all side shoots except for the top three or four.
- Regularly trim the top branches to encourage a dense, bushy crown.
