Purple Trailing Lantana

How often do you fertilize purple trailing lantana

Once a year. 

Is the Lantana plant hardy in zone 5 in Ohio? I had one last year and it didn't come back.

No, purple trailing lantanas are not hardy in Zone 5. They will need to be grown as annuals or brought indoors over the winter to survive.

Perineal or annual?

In warm climates (Zones 8-11), they are perennials. In colder areas, they function as annuals or need winter protection.

Is the purple trailing lantana a perennial?

In warm climates (Zones 8-11), they are perennials. In colder areas, they function as annuals or need winter protection.

Where are you located

central Louisiana!

I live in Maryland. When can I plant purple lantana

In Maryland, it’s best to plant purple trailing lantana after the last frost date in spring, typically in late April or early May, when temperatures have warmed up.

I have trailing purple lantana that used to bloom profusely all summer but for the last 3 yrs has lots of foliage but does not bloom except for a few blooms just before frost. I did fertilize it 3 years ago with Osmocote (mistake) but that was a long time ago. I’m ready to dig it up. Any reason not to? Thanks Donna

Hi Donna! It sounds like your purple lantana is focusing more on foliage than flowers, which can happen when there’s an imbalance in nutrients—especially nitrogen-heavy fertilizers like Osmocote can sometimes promote leafy growth over blooming. While that fertilizing happened a while ago, lantanas are sensitive to nutrient buildup in the soil over time.

Here are a few tips that might revive it before you make the final decision to dig it up:

1. Cut Back on Fertilizers: Avoid adding more fertilizer this season, especially nitrogen-based ones. Sometimes lantanas do better with just a little compost or a bloom-specific fertilizer with lower nitrogen.

2. Pruning: Give it a light trim in early spring or after the risk of frost. This can encourage more blooms by stimulating new growth.

3. Sunlight and Water: Make sure it’s getting full sun for at least 6 hours, and don’t overwater—lantanas thrive in well-drained soil with only moderate watering.

If it still doesn’t flower well next season, digging it up might be your best bet. Let me know if you’d like more tips or suggestions for a replacement!

when is the best time to palnt trailing lantana in zone 8 Fall or spring?

The best time to plant purple trailing lantana in Zone 8 is in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed. This gives the plant plenty of time to establish strong roots before the hot summer temperatures arrive. However, if you live in a milder area of Zone 8 with warm fall conditions, you can also plant in early fall to take advantage of cooler temperatures and natural rainfall.

Does purple lantana come only in “trailing” forms or can you get it in compact forms as well?

Purple lantana is available in both trailing and compact forms. While the trailing purple lantana (Lantana montevidensis) is popular for ground cover and cascading effects, you can also find compact varieties that grow in a more upright, bush-like shape. These compact forms are ideal for small garden spaces or containers, offering the same vibrant purple blooms in a more controlled, tidy growth habit. Whether you're looking for trailing or compact, purple lantana offers versatile options for different landscaping needs.

What is the botanical name?

The botanical name of the purple trailing lantana is Lantana montevidensis. This plant is also commonly known as Trailing Lantana or Creeping Lantana. It is characterized by its low-growing, spreading habit and clusters of small purple or lavender flowers, making it an excellent ground cover or cascading plant in containers.

Is this plant an annual or perinnial

Yes, Purple Trailing Lantana (Lantana montevidensis) is a perennial in warmer climates, specifically in USDA Zones 9 to 11. In these zones, it will return year after year, providing a vibrant display of purple blooms. However, in cooler regions, it is often grown as an annual or can be brought indoors to protect it from frost. Purple Trailing Lantana thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it a popular choice for ground cover or cascading from containers and hanging baskets.

Do they do well in Illinois ( northwest corner) Moline, Il

Purple Trailing Lantana (Lantana montevidensis) is not well-suited for the climate in Moline, Illinois (northwest corner), which falls in USDA Zone 5b to 6a. This plant thrives in warmer climates within Zones 9 to 11, where it can enjoy full sun and heat. In colder regions like Illinois, Purple Trailing Lantana would not survive the winter outdoors, as it is sensitive to frost. However, it can be grown as an annual or moved indoors during the colder months to protect it from freezing temperatures.

Are lantana annuals or perennials? Can you winter them in your garage ?

Lantana can be annuals or perennials, depending on your climate zone:

• Perennials: In warmer climates (Zones 8-11), Lantana grows as a perennial and can survive year-round.
• Annuals: In cooler climates (Zones 7 and below), Lantana typically grows as an annual because it cannot survive freezing temperatures.

Wintering Lantana in a garage: If you live in a colder climate, you can bring Lantana indoors or into a garage for winter. To do this:

1. Trim the plant back.
2. Keep it in a pot.
3. Place it in a cool, dark location like a garage.
4. Water sparingly until spring when you can move it back outdoors.

This allows Lantana to go dormant and potentially survive until the next growing season.

Is it toxic

Yes, purple trailing lantanas (Lantana montevidensis) are considered toxic to pets and livestock if ingested. They contain compounds that can cause mild to severe gastrointestinal upset.

Where are you located

central Louisiana!

What zones will it grow best?

Purple trailing lantanas thrive in USDA hardiness zones 8-11, where they can be grown as perennials. In colder zones, they are often grown as annuals or brought indoors over winter.

Can you tell me if Lantana and Verbena are annuals or perennials? I live in Michigan where are winters are quite brutal. Thank you.

In zones 8-11, both Lantana and Verbena can act as perennials. However, in zones with colder winters, such as zones 7 and below, they are typically grown as annuals due to their sensitivity to frost.

Are they fragrant?

Yes, purple trailing lantanas have a light fragrance, often described as mildly citrusy.

How should I trim the purple trailing lantana?

Trim purple trailing lantanas lightly throughout the growing season to maintain shape and encourage blooming. In late winter or early spring, a harder pruning can be done to remove dead or leggy growth.

What size will the purple trailing lantana grow to? What spacing is recommended?

Purple trailing lantanas typically grow 1-2 feet tall with a spread of 3-4 feet. For optimal ground cover and airflow, space plants about 2-3 feet apart.