The Lantana is a tropical beauty native to Central America, which means it’s definitely not a fan of our chilly winters. Because it’s so sensitive to the cold, you’ll need to give it a little extra TLC to help it survive until spring.
Bring it indoors by fall
While some non-hardy garden plants can handle a light overnight frost, Lantanas are a bit more delicate. You’ll want to be proactive here. As soon as those autumn temperatures start dipping below 40°F (5°C), it’s time to bring your Lantana inside for the season.
Finding the perfect winter home
Lantanas prefer a cool spot to rest during the winter. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a bright room, but temperature is key: you’re looking for a consistent range between 40°F and 50°F (5°C to 10°C). This cool environment allows the plant to go dormant and recharge its batteries for the coming year. To help it rest, you should completely stop fertilizing during this time. However, don’t forget about it entirely—you’ll still need to water it occasionally so the root ball doesn’t dry out.
Getting ready for next spring
When April rolls around, it’s time to start prepping for the new gardening season. You can begin fertilizing again at this point to wake the plant up. But don’t rush to put it back outside! Wait until the weather is consistently warm and the threat of frost has completely passed—usually after Mother’s Day or late May, depending on your local climate. Before you move it back to the patio, it’s a great idea to give it a good pruning. Here’s why:
- Lantanas only produce flowers on new, fresh growth.
- It’s the perfect opportunity to collect cuttings if you want to propagate more plants for your garden.
