How To Overwinter Lantana

If you love the vibrant, continuous blooms of lantana, you know it’s a summer superstar. But when frost threatens, many gardeners wonder how to overwinter lantana to save their favorite plants. This guide gives you clear, practical steps for cold weather survival, whether you’re growing it in pots or in the ground.

Successfully saving your lantana through winter depends on your local climate and how you grow it. Lantana is perennial in warm zones (typically USDA zones 8-11) but is treated as an annual in colder regions. With the right technique, you can keep it alive for many seasons.

Understanding Your Lantana’s Cold Tolerance

First, know your plant’s limits. Lantana thrives in heat and full sun. It starts to struggle when temperatures dip below 55°F (13°C). A light frost will damage foliage, but a hard freeze (below 28°F or -2°C) can kill the entire plant, including the roots in some cases.

Check your USDA hardiness zone. If you’re in zone 8 or warmer, your lantana may survive outdoors with protection. In zones 7 and colder, you’ll likely need to bring it inside.

Option 1: Overwintering Lantana Indoors (Potted Plants)

This is the most reliable method for cold climates. The goal is to provide a period of cool, semi-dormant rest.

Step-by-Step: Bringing Potted Lantana Inside

Follow these steps in late fall, before the first frost is forecasted.

Prune the plant back by about one-third to one-half. This removes leggy growth and makes it more manageable. Be sure to clean up all fallen leaves and debris from the pot’s surface.
Check thoroughly for pests. Look under leaves and along stems for insects like aphids, whiteflies, or spider mites. Treat with an insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed before bringing it indoors.
Choose the right indoor location. Lantana needs a cool, bright spot during its dormancy. Ideal conditions are a sunny, unheated garage, a basement with a grow light, or a cool sunroom. Temperatures should stay between 45-55°F (7-13°C).
Water sparingly. This is crucial. During dormancy, the plant uses very little water. Water only when the soil is completely dry an inch or two down. Overwatering is the number one cause of failure during overwintering.
Do not fertilize. The plant is not actively growing, so it does not need extra nutrients until spring.

Option 2: Overwintering Lantana in the Ground

In marginally hardy zones (roughly zones 7-8), you can try to protect in-ground plants. Success depends on winter severity and plant maturity.

Protecting In-Ground Plants with Mulch

This method insulates the plant’s crown and roots.

After the first light frost kills the foliage, prune the stems back to about 6-10 inches above the ground.
Cover the entire plant base with a thick, loose layer of insulating material. Use 4-6 inches of straw, pine straw, shredded leaves, or bark mulch.
For extra protection, place a breathable fabric row cover or burlap over the mulched area. Avoid using plastic, which can trap moisture and cause rot.
In early spring, as temperatures consistently warm, gradually remove the mulch layer to allow new growth to emerge.

Option 3: Maintaining Lantana as a Houseplant

If you don’t have a cool space, you can try to keep your lantana growing actively in a sunny window. This is trickier, as indoor light is weaker than summer sun.

Place it in your sunniest window, ideally a south-facing one.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. It will need more water than dormant plants but less than in summer.
The plant may become leggy and not flower much. You can prune it lightly to maintain shape.
Watch for pests like spider mites, which love dry indoor air.

Spring Awakening: Transitioning Back Outdoors

When danger of frost has passed in spring, it’s time to revive your lantana. Don’t rush this process; a gradual transition prevents shock.

Re-pot if needed. If the plant is root-bound, move it to a slightly larger pot with fresh potting mix.
Begin by placing the plant in a shaded, protected outdoor spot for a few hours each day.
Gradually increase its time outside and exposure to sun over 7-10 days.
Once acclimated, give it a hard prune to shape the plant and encourage bushy new growth. You can cut it back by up to half.
Resume regular watering and begin fertilizing with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support a new season of prolific blooms.

Common Overwintering Problems and Solutions

Even with care, issues can arise. Here’s how to troubleshoot.

Yellowing or Dropping Leaves

This is normal as the plant enters dormancy. If it’s excessive indoors, it could be from overwatering, poor light, or a draft. Adjust the plant’s location and cut back on water.

Pest Infestations Indoors

Spider mites and aphids are common. Isolate the affected plant. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or use an insecticidal soap spray, making sure to cover the undersides of leaves.

Leggy, Weak Growth

This signals insufficient light. If possible, move the plant to a brighter location or supplement with a grow light. Don’t worry too much; you can prune this growth back hard in spring.

Mold or Fungus on Soil

This is a sure sign of overwatering and poor air circulation. Let the soil dry out completely, scrape off any mold, and increase air flow around the plant.

FAQ: Your Lantana Winter Survival Questions

Can lantana survive frost?

A light frost will damage or kill the foliage, but the roots may survive if protected. A hard freeze will likely kill the entire plant if it’s not insulated or brought inside.

Should I cut back lantana before winter?

Yes, pruning is recommended. For potted plants coming inside, prune to manage size. For in-ground plants, prune after frost to make mulching easier.

How cold is too cold for lantana?

Sustained temperatures below 28°F (-2°C) are generally fatal without significant protection. It’s best to take action before temps consistently drop below 40°F (4°C).

Can I just leave my lantana in the garage?

Yes, if the garage stays above freezing but is cool (ideally 45-55°F). It must also have some light source, even if just from a window, to keep the plant from completely exhausting itself.

Why did my lantana die over winter indoors?

The most common causes are overwatering (leading to root rot) or a pest infestation that went unnoticed and weakened the plant. Too warm and dark of a location also stresses it.

When do I know if my overwintered lantana is alive?

Be patient in spring. After you’ve acclimated it and pruned it, look for new green growth emerging from the stems or base. Sometimes it can take a few weeks to show signs of life, so don’t discard it to early.

With these methods, you can enjoy your lantana’s cheerful flowers year after year, saving money and preserving your favorite varieties. The key is matching the strategy to your climate and providing the right balance of cool temperatures, minimal water, and patience until spring returns.