When To Plant Lantana In Texas

If you’re a Texas gardener, knowing when to plant lantana is the key to a season full of vibrant, carefree color. This sun-loving perennial is a staple for good reason, and timing your planting right ensures it thrives from the start.

Lantana is incredibly tough once established, but getting it in the ground at the optimal time helps it develop a strong root system. This sets the stage for months of continuous blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard. Let’s look at the best schedule for success across the state.

The optimal time for planting lantana in Texas is in the spring, after the last threat of frost has passed. For most of the state, this window falls between mid-March and late April.

Planting in spring allows the lantana to settle in during milder temperatures. The plant can focus its energy on root growth before the intense summer heat arrives. This gives it the resilience it needs to handle a long, hot Texas summer with ease.

Regional Timing Across Texas

Texas has several distinct climate zones, so a one-size-fits-all date doesn’t work. Here’s a quick regional breakdown:

Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio, Hill Country): Aim for early to mid-March. Occasional late frosts can happen, so be prepared to cover young plants if needed.
North Texas (Dallas, Fort Worth): Wait until late March or early April. The last frost date here is a bit later than in central regions.
South Texas (Corpus Christi, Rio Grande Valley): You can often plant as early as late February. Frost is rare, so the season is long.
West Texas (El Paso, Permian Basin): Target mid-March. The dry air means watching soil moisture closely after planting.
East Texas (Houston, Tyler): Mid to late March is generally safe, though humid conditions require good air flow around plants.

Can You Plant Lantana in Fall?

In many parts of Texas, fall planting is a excellent second option. Early fall, around September to early October, provides another good window.

The soil is still warm, which encourages root growth, but the air is cooler, reducing stress on the plant. This gives the lantana a head start for the following spring. However, avoid planting too late in the fall, as a sudden early freeze can damage an unestablished plant.

Why You Should Avoid Summer Planting

While garden centers may sell lantana all summer, planting during peak heat (July-August) is risky. The extreme stress can cause transplant shock, requiring constant watering just to keep it alive.

If you must plant in summer, choose a cloudy day and water deeply and frequently. But for the best results and less work, sticking to spring or fall is much smarter.

Choosing the Right Lantana for Your Garden

Before you plant, selecting the right type of lantana matters. Some are bred for trailing habits, others for mounding forms.

Trailing Lantana (Lantana montevidensis): Perfect for spilling over walls, hanging baskets, or as a ground cover. It’s usually more cold-tolerant.
Mounding/Bush Lantana (Lantana camara cultivars): These form dense, colorful bushes. Popular varieties like ‘Dallas Red’ or ‘New Gold’ are Texas favorites.
Check for Sterile Varieties: Some newer cultivars are sterile, meaning they don’t produce seeds. This is good because they won’t become invasive, a concern with some older lantana types.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once your timing is right, follow these steps for a successful planting.

Pick the Sunniest Spot: Lantana needs at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. More sun equals more flowers.
Prepare the Soil: Lantana prefers well-draining soil. If you have heavy clay, amend the planting hole with compost or a small amount of expanded shale to improve drainage.
Dig the Hole: Make it twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. This loosens the soil for roots to expand easily.
Plant and Water: Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly to settle it in. A light layer of mulch can help retain moisture initially.
Initial Watering Schedule: Water every other day for the first week or two, then gradually taper off as the plant shows new growth, indicating established roots.

Caring for Your New Lantana

After planting, care is simple. Lantana is famously drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Fertilizer isn’t usually necessary in Texas soils and can sometimes reduce flowering. If you want to feed, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. The most important task is deadheading spent blooms or giving the plant a light shear mid-summer to encourage a fresh flush of flowers.

Protecting Lantana in Winter

In most of Texas, lantana will die back after the first hard freeze. Don’t panic! It’s likely not dead.

In late winter, after the last frost date has passed, cut back the dead growth to about 6-12 inches from the ground. New shoots will emerge from the base as the soil warms. In the warmer southern parts of the state, lantana may remain evergreen or only suffer minor dieback.

Common Problems and Solutions

Lantana has few pests, but here’s what to watch for:

Powdery Mildew: Can occur in humid areas with poor air circulation. Plant in full sun and avoid overhead watering to prevent it.
Lace Bugs: These tiny pests cause leaves to look speckled or gray. A strong spray of water from a hose or use of insecticidal soap usually manages them.
Overwatering: The most common killer. Soggy soil leads to root rot. If leaves yellow, check your soil moisture first.

FAQs About Planting Lantana in Texas

Is lantana a perennial in Texas?
Yes, in almost all Texas zones, lantana is a reliable perennial. It dies back in winter but returns from its roots in spring.

How fast does lantana grow after planting?
With warm temperatures and good sun, lantana grows quite quickly. You can expect it to fill in and begin flowering heavily within a few weeks of spring planting.

Can lantana handle Texas heat?
Absolutely. Lantana thrives in intense heat and is a top choice for xeriscaping. It actually prefers hot, sunny conditions.

What is the best month to plant lantana in Central Texas?
March is generally the ideal month for planting lantana in Central Texas. Keep an eye on the forcast for any unexpected late frosts.

Should I cut back lantana in the fall?
It’s better to wait until late winter. The old growth provides some insulation to the plant’s crown during occasional cold snaps.

By following these timing and care tips, you’ll enjoy a low-maintenance, high-impact plant that brings constant color and life to your garden. The right start makes all the difference for this Texas tough beauty.