Lantana (Lantana camara) is a popular landscape plant in North Carolina, cherished for its continuous colorful blooms from spring until the first hard frost. This tropical native’s long-season performance makes it a favorite, but its sensitivity to cold leaves many wondering if the plant will return the following year. Lantana’s survival depends entirely on the microclimate of where it is planted and the severity of the winter.
Lantana’s Perennial Status Across North Carolina Zones
Lantana’s ability to survive the winter in North Carolina is determined by the state’s diverse USDA Plant Hardiness Zones. Lantana is a tender perennial, reliably surviving year-round only in Zones 9 and above, where winter temperatures rarely dip below 20°F. The state’s coastal region, including areas in Zone 8b and Zone 9, offers the best chance for the plant to return consistently as a perennial.
In the Piedmont and Mountain regions (Zones 7a and 7b), lantana is typically treated as a warm-weather annual. Survival in these cooler zones depends on mild winters and a robust root system established before the ground freezes. Even with protection, the top growth dies back completely when temperatures dip below freezing, and the plant’s return is never guaranteed.
Gardeners seeking perennial status in Zone 7 should choose cold-hardy cultivars like ‘Miss Huff’ or ‘Chapel Hill Yellow,’ which have demonstrated root survival down to 0°F, though they will still die back to the ground. The critical factor for survival is the duration and depth of the winter freeze, which directly impacts the root crown. Prolonged periods of deep, frozen soil will kill the roots of even the hardiest varieties. Dry soil during the winter is also beneficial, as cold, wet soil is particularly lethal to the dormant root system.
Seasonal Timing of New Growth and Blooms
Lantana is a warm-season grower, and for successfully overwintered plants, new growth appears much later than other garden plants. The root crown remains dormant until the soil reaches a sustained temperature of approximately 55°F to 60°F. Even if the air temperature feels like spring, the colder soil prevents the plant from breaking dormancy.
In North Carolina’s warmer coastal zones, signs of life may appear in late April to early May. In the Piedmont and Mountain zones, where soil takes longer to warm, new shoots often do not emerge until late May or early June. It is important to wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has truly warmed before expecting any sign of revival.
The late start means that new growth initially emerges slowly from the root crown, unlike the rapid growth of annuals planted from a nursery pot. The first significant flush of blooms on overwintered plants in Zone 7 often does not occur until mid-June. This natural timetable is why many gardeners in cooler zones purchase new plants each year to ensure earlier color.
Strategies for Overwintering and Spring Revival
Gardeners in marginal zones should focus on protecting the root crown from extreme cold and moisture. After the top growth has been blackened by the first hard frost, do not cut the woody stems back immediately. Leaving the dead top growth intact provides natural insulation around the base of the plant throughout the winter.
Before the coldest weather arrives, apply a thick layer of mulch (six to eight inches deep) over the root zone to insulate the crown from deep freezes. Materials like pine straw or shredded leaves are excellent because they are breathable and will not compact and hold too much moisture against the plant’s base.
In the spring, wait until new green shoots begin to emerge from the ground before pruning away the old, dead stems. Cutting back too early removes the plant’s natural protection and exposes the crown to potential late-season frosts. Once new growth is visible, cut the old stems back to within a few inches of the ground and begin a regular watering schedule to encourage vigorous growth.