title: Moving Your Lantana Outdoors: Timing and Tips
Lantanas are easily some of the most popular plants for gardens and balconies alike. They’re famous for those color-changing blooms, but there’s one big thing to keep in mind: these beauties are not frost-hardy. Knowing exactly when to move them back outside after their winter nap is the secret to a thriving plant.
The Perfect Outdoor Spot for Your Lantana
Lantanas are incredibly versatile and look great just about anywhere, including:
- As a standout focal point in your garden beds.
- In containers on the balcony or patio.
- Trained as a standard (tree-form).
If you want your Lantana to really take off, location is everything. These plants are sun-worshippers and crave direct sunlight. Avoid full shade at all costs; without enough sun, they’ll struggle to bloom and eventually fade away. Just make sure to keep up with regular watering and feeding, and try to pick a spot that’s protected from heavy downpours or harsh, drafty winds.
Lantanas and Cold Weather Don’t Mix
Because they hail from the tropical regions of Africa and the Americas, Lantanas are not winter-hardy. Even a dip down to about 40°F (5°C) can cause serious damage. When the thermometer starts to drop, your Lantana needs to come inside—this goes for chilly days and especially those cold nights.
Watch Out for Late Spring Frosts
Late-season frosts are the ultimate “gotcha” for gardeners. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast during the spring and fall. If the nighttime temperatures are looking a bit dicey, play it safe and bring your Lantana into the house or a protected garage for the night.
Waking Up Your Lantana After Winter
Once winter storage is over, it’s time to get your plant back outside. There isn’t a specific calendar date for this; it all depends on your local weather and temperatures. The key is to acclimate the plant slowly. Don’t move it directly from a dark, cool basement into the scorching midday sun. Give it about two to three weeks to gradually adjust to the brighter light and outdoor air, and it’ll be back to its old self in no time.
Give It a Quick Trim Before the Big Move
Before you move your Lantana back to its summer home, it’s a good idea to do some light pruning. Snip off any dead, diseased, or weak-looking stems. This helps the plant focus all its energy on fresh, healthy new growth and those gorgeous flowers we all love.
