Lantana is a vibrant, heat-loving flowering shrub that provides a burst of color throughout the long growing season. Whether it acts as a perennial or an annual in North Carolina depends heavily on the specific geographical location within the state. Lantana is biologically a tropical plant, meaning its ability to survive the winter and return the following spring is entirely location-dependent.
Defining Perennial Status by North Carolina’s Hardiness Zones
Lantana is a tender perennial, reliably surviving year-round only in regions with mild winters that do not experience deep or prolonged freezes. North Carolina spans USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 6a (mountainous west) to 8b (coast), which determines if the plant acts as an annual or a perennial.
In the cooler zones 6 and 7, covering the mountains and much of the Piedmont region, Lantana is typically grown as an annual. Winter temperatures are often too cold for the roots to survive, as the root system requires soil temperatures significantly above freezing to regenerate in the spring. For most standard varieties, the root mass will not survive when temperatures drop much below 20°F for an extended period, which is common in these zones.
Conversely, in the warmer Coastal Plain and Outer Banks (zone 8), Lantana has a much better chance of returning year after year. Cold-hardy varieties, such as ‘Miss Huff’ and ‘Chapel Hill Yellow’, can survive in the upper end of zone 7 and into zone 8. Even here, the above-ground growth typically dies back to the soil line after the first hard frost. The plant is then classified as an herbaceous perennial, meaning the roots survive the winter and send up new shoots in the spring.
Overwintering Strategies for Lantana Survival
For North Carolina gardeners who wish to save their Lantana, specific actions must be taken to insulate the root system from the cold. In marginal zones (7b and 8a), where winter survival is uncertain, in-ground protection is the most common approach. This involves cutting the foliage back after the first killing frost, leaving 6 to 12 inches of woody stems above the ground for minor insulation.
A deep layer of organic mulch, such as straw or pine needles, should be applied heavily around the base of the plant to insulate the roots. This protective layer stabilizes the soil temperature, preventing the extreme freeze-thaw cycles that can cause damage. Ensuring the planting site has excellent drainage is also important, as cold, saturated soil is far more damaging to the roots than dry cold.
For gardeners in colder zones (6 and 7) or those with non-hardy varieties, bringing container-grown Lantana indoors is the most reliable strategy. The plant should be moved inside before the first frost, often after reducing watering and stopping fertilizer application to prepare it for dormancy. Potted plants can be stored in a cool, dark location, such as a basement or garage, where temperatures remain cool but stay above freezing.
During this indoor dormancy period, the plant requires only minimal water, just enough to prevent the roots from completely drying out. Overwatering in a cool, dark environment can quickly lead to root rot. If a bright, cool sunroom is available, the plant can be kept semi-dormant, with temperatures maintained between 55°F and 65°F and reduced watering.
Growth Habits and Why Lantana is a Popular NC Choice
Lantana is highly valued across North Carolina for its resilience to the state’s intense summer conditions. The plant performs best in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to produce abundant blooms. This preference makes it well-suited for the long, hot summers found throughout the region.
The shrub is naturally drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance option that withstands periods of dry weather without constant irrigation. It is known for its aggressive growth potential during warm months, quickly filling garden spaces and containers with its sprawling or mounding habit. Gardeners should plan for this rapid growth when selecting a planting location.
The primary appeal of Lantana is its ecological function as a pollinator magnet. Its colorful clusters of tubular flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. These blooms often appear in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink. Popular varieties like ‘Ham and Eggs’ and the trailing types offer continuous color from late spring until the first frost.