Lantana is a popular garden shrub, celebrated for its clusters of vibrant, multicolored flowers. This tropical native is classified as a perennial in its warmer native climate and is often used in hanging baskets and flower beds. Gardeners in temperate regions frequently ask whether this plant will survive the winter and return the following year. Lantana is considered a tender perennial, and its survival depends heavily on the average minimum winter temperatures.
Understanding USDA Hardiness Zone 7
The USDA Hardiness Zone system defines areas based on the average annual minimum winter temperature. Zone 7 is characterized by average annual extreme minimum temperatures ranging from 0°F to 10°F, divided into 7a (0°F to 5°F) and 7b (5°F to 10°F). Since Lantana is a tropical plant that cannot tolerate prolonged temperatures below 28°F, Zone 7 sits right on the edge of its survival threshold.
Lantana is typically not a reliably returning perennial in this temperature range and is often cultivated as an annual. Its above-ground growth will die back completely with the first hard frost. The plant’s survival hinges entirely on the root system insulating itself against the deep cold, requiring specific protective measures to ensure the roots survive the winter months.
Strategies for Successful Overwintering
Successfully overwintering Lantana in Zone 7 focuses on protecting the plant’s crown and root ball from cold, wet conditions. For plants left in the ground, a thick layer of mulch is the simplest form of defense. After the top growth dies back from frost, apply a breathable, insulating mulch like pine straw or shredded leaves, spreading it 4 to 6 inches deep. This mound should extend 12 to 18 inches beyond the plant’s crown to maintain a stable soil temperature.
Avoid pruning the dead stems until new growth begins in the spring, as the old woody growth offers additional insulation to the crown. Ensuring the planting site has excellent drainage is important, as cold, saturated soil leads to root rot much faster than cold alone. If a severe, extended freeze is expected, a thorough watering beforehand can help, since moist soil holds more residual heat than dry soil, providing temporary insulation.
Alternatively, plants growing in containers can be moved indoors for guaranteed survival. Before the first hard frost, prune the plant back by about one-third and check thoroughly for pests. Lantana can be kept dormant over winter in a cool, dark location, such as a garage or basement, where temperatures remain consistently above 55°F. In this dormant state, the plant requires only minimal watering, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between applications.
If the goal is to keep the plant actively growing indoors, it must be placed near a south or west-facing window to receive at least six to eight hours of bright light daily. Supplementing with full-spectrum grow lights helps maintain the light levels necessary for active photosynthesis. In this scenario, repotting in well-draining soil and reducing watering is necessary, and all fertilization should be stopped until spring.
Cold-Hardy Lantana Varieties
While many common Lantana cultivars are best treated as annuals in Zone 7, a few varieties have developed a reputation for superior cold tolerance. The most notable is Lantana camara ‘Miss Huff,’ which is widely recognized as the hardiest cultivar available. This variety has demonstrated the ability to consistently survive winters in Zone 7, particularly the warmer 7b sections.
Other selections known for their hardiness include:
- ‘Ham and Eggs,’ which is also hardy to Zone 7b.
- ‘Chapel Hill Yellow.’
- ‘New Gold,’ which is often listed as root-hardy to Zone 7.
These varieties have root systems that are more resilient to freezing temperatures than their tropical counterparts.
Even with these hardier selections, successful perennial survival in Zone 7 is not guaranteed. Gardeners must still employ the protective overwintering measures, such as mulching and ensuring proper drainage, to give these plants the best chance against a sustained cold snap. They cannot withstand the zone’s minimum temperatures without assistance.