Lantana is a vibrant, sun-loving plant prized for its continuous clusters of colorful blooms throughout the warm season. Gardeners often wonder if this prolific bloomer is a temporary annual or a permanent fixture that returns each year. The answer depends entirely on the local climate where the plant is grown. In some areas, lantana reliably survives the winter months, while in others, it must be replanted every spring.
How Cold Tolerance Determines Survival
Lantana is classified as a tender perennial, meaning its ability to survive winter is directly tied to the severity of cold temperatures. The plant’s top growth is highly susceptible to freezing; temperatures dipping to 28 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit typically kill the stems and foliage down to the ground. However, the root system possesses greater cold tolerance, allowing the plant to function as a root-hardy perennial in certain climates.
In warm regions, where minimum winter temperatures remain mild, lantana acts as a true perennial and may even retain some foliage year-round. This perennial status generally applies to areas classified as USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9 through 11. In these zones, the roots are protected from deep freezing, enabling the plant to resume growth from existing stems or the crown once spring arrives.
Moving into cooler climates, such as Zone 8, the plant’s above-ground growth will die back during the winter months. For many common varieties, the roots can survive this period, but they require a consistent layer of soil insulation to protect them from prolonged freezing.
In zones colder than this, specifically Zone 7 and below, the plant is typically treated as a seasonal annual. The extended, deep cold will likely kill the entire root system in these areas. Certain cold-hardy cultivars, such as ‘Miss Huff’, have been bred to push this survival boundary into the warmer parts of Zone 7, provided they receive appropriate winter intervention.
Winter Protection Strategies
For gardeners in Zones 7 and 8 who wish to see their lantana return, protection must be applied before the first hard freeze arrives. This strategy focuses on insulating the plant’s crown to keep the roots alive, even after the foliage has succumbed to the cold. To protect plants in the ground, wait until the top growth has died back naturally after a frost, then cut the dead stems down to about six inches above the soil line.
After cutting back the dead material, apply a thick layer of organic mulch directly over the plant’s crown and surrounding root area. Using straw, shredded leaves, or pine needles provides excellent insulation. A layer four to six inches deep offers the necessary thermal barrier and should remain undisturbed until the danger of frost has passed in the spring.
Gardeners growing lantana in pots have the option of overwintering the entire plant indoors. The container should be brought inside before the first frost and placed in a cool, sheltered location, such as a basement or garage.
The ideal temperature range for this dormant period is between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. During storage, the plant requires only minimal water, just enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out. It should not be fertilized until it is moved back outdoors in spring.
Encouraging Spring Reemergence
Lantana is known to be one of the last plants in the garden to show signs of life, requiring both the soil and air temperatures to warm up significantly. Patience is necessary, as new growth may not appear until late spring or early summer, even after other plants have begun to sprout. Waiting for this new growth is important before attempting any major pruning.
Once all danger of freezing has passed, gently pull the heavy insulating mulch back from the plant’s crown. At this time, any remaining old, dead stems can be pruned down to a few inches above the soil line. Removing this old wood ensures the plant’s energy is directed toward the new sprouts emerging from the root base. A light application of a slow-release fertilizer can be made as the new growth becomes visible, fueling a robust return of foliage and flowers.