Lantana care guide: when & how to prune, fertilize and spray
Lantana camara · USDA zones 8–11
Heat-loving, butterfly-attracting shrub. It's grown as an annual in cold climates and as a perennial in zones 8+. Invasive in some tropical regions, so choose sterile cultivars there.
☀️ Sun
Full sun.
💧 Water
Low; drought-tolerant.
🪱 Soil
pH 5.5–7.0. Well-drained. None. Fertilizer reduces flowering.
How and when to prune lantana
Cut back in spring
When: from the last spring frost to 3 weeks after.
- zones 6–7: about Apr 15 – May 6
- zones 8–10: about Feb 25 – Mar 18
In zones 8+, last year's woody stems die back. A hard cut renews the plant.
- Once new growth appears at the base, cut stems back to 6–12 in (15–30 cm).
Midsummer shear
When: 12–14 weeks after the last spring frost.
- zones 6–7: about Jul 8–22
- zones 8–10: about May 20 – Jun 3
Shearing leggy plants by a third pushes a fresh flush of flowers.
- Shear back by one-third and water well.
Common lantana problems and how to fix them
Whiteflies / lace bugs
Signs: Sticky leaves, pale stippling.
What to do: Insecticidal soap or neem.
Lantana care FAQ
When should I prune lantana?
Cut back in spring: from the last spring frost to 3 weeks after (around Apr 15 – May 6 in zones 6–7). Midsummer shear: 12–14 weeks after the last spring frost (around Jul 8–22 in zones 6–7). Heat-loving, butterfly-attracting shrub. It's grown as an annual in cold climates and as a perennial in zones 8+. Invasive in some tropical regions, so choose sterile cultivars there.
What soil does lantana need?
Well-drained. Preferred pH 5.5–7.0. None. Fertilizer reduces flowering.
How much sun and water does lantana need?
Sun: Full sun. Water: Low; drought-tolerant.
What are common lantana problems?
Whiteflies / lace bugs: Sticky leaves, pale stippling. Insecticidal soap or neem.
More tropicals care guides
Timings are given relative to your average frost dates, with examples for typical US climates. Always read and follow product labels.