Comments on: Lantana propagation

By: Tami J Perry

Tami J Perry — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:35 +0000

I have several lantana plants that I have had for approximately 7 yrs. I live in East Central Tx and they done good every yr. This past yr every single bloom cluster after the flowers died would develop a really tight ball cluster of tiny leaves. It was really hard to tell if they looked like the leaves on the plants themselves as the cluster was so tight and full. I have never seen lantana do this before and have not been able to find anything on the internet to explain this oddity. Was this the end of my lantana? If not what happened to cause this oddity. By this time of year my plants are usually starting to put out little green shoots but so far not a single sign of green. I pruned them back about two weeks ago.

By: Gemma

Gemma — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:48:26 +0000

Lantana topiary trim
I live in central Florida and have two lantanas that were formed into topiaries. They have one long central thick stem–about 1.5 feet high–with a tree like bushiness on top. I’ve had them for a year and they are starting to look a little tired. How do I prune them without ruining the look of the topiary? Can I cut the smaller stems all the way back to the large central stem (it’s more like a trunk)? Thank you.

Hi Gemma,
You will have to give your lantana a haircut. Cut back all the long stems to a bud on the stems but not to the main trunk. Imagine the lollipop shape that you want to maintain and remove any tips that exceed the shape. During the growing season, pinch -prune any new “wild” growth to maintain the overall shape. Also rub off or clip any new growth along the main trunk. The best time to do this is when the plant is dormant or in early spring before new growth starts.

By: krish

krish — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:34:42 +0000

Hi,
Am writing from India, Is it true that certain variety of Lantana attract butterflies? If so, would like to know the name.

Hi Krish
The vibrant colored flowers of any lantana plant will attract butterflies. Flowers that are red, yellow, orange, pink and purple with flat topped, clusters like lantan are attractive to adult butterflies looking for nectar.

By: judy tarkowski

judy tarkowski — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 03:49:18 +0000

In our state, rabbits love new lantana! Do yu have any fat bunnies?

By: Susan Mattix

Susan Mattix — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:44:02 +0000

Thanks for the advise on the anti fungal treatments. The soil where the lantanas are planted, is sand. It drains really well. I did go a little overboard with the newspaper and then landscape weed barrier just because I hate weeds so much. We had put in new sod right around the same time we put in the border at the edge of the lawn and of course, we watered the lawn with sprinklers to get it going…that is probably what got the fungus started. We don’t water much normally. It’s been a couple months since I have run the sprinklers. Just hit the sod with some hand watering now and then if it’s really dry and hot. I could rip out the newspaper if need be. I could do it without disturbing the plants.
Thanks again for the help. I will report back on it later.

Hi Susan
If the soil is well drained and not soggy, then leave the newspaper, it will eventually break down into the soil. Most likely, sprinklers added to the leaf spot problem. On hot days, water at the soil level. The important thing is not to have the leaves wet overnight when fungi grow best.

By: Bev

Bev — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:00:51 +0000

I am trying to propagate some lantana which no longer seems to be available. I cut off about 3 inches from the end of a cane, stripped the leaves below the ground, and left about 3 on the part above ground. Is this correct? Also, have put them in small pots with drain holes. Is this OK?
Your directions say that when new growth appears it should be fertilized. With what??
(I’m being optimistic in even asking)

Hi Bev
Sounds like you are off to a good start. Make sure that your cutting is in a warm, humid spot with bright light. You can place the cutting in a plastic bag to maintain a humid environment. When new growth starts give it a dose of 1/2 strength houseplant or a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) and place in bright light. Because of shorter daylength (less sun), new growth will be slower in the fall/winter than in spring. If you don’t succeed try again in spring.
Dipping the cutting in rooting hormone before planting can also stimulate faster root growth

By: Mariah

Mariah — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:12:46 +0000

Pruning lantana
I’m a bit confused after reading through all the questions and answers. I have a huge potted Lantana that I plan to
winter over in the garage (E North Carolina). I’d like to cut it back before storing… would it be better to wait until early Spring? Appreciate your time.

Hi Mariah
The reason some wait till spring to cut the plant back is to remove any winter damaged stems-which may occur in colder regions. You can trim back your lantana in fall to 6″ make it more manageable in storage. If you don’t choose to do so, then prune it in spring to produce healthy, bushy growth. It’s up to you.

By: Susan Mattix

Susan Mattix — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:37:14 +0000

I planted the yellow hybrid lantana in a border along our driveway (in full sun) this past summer. (We are on the Gulf in Central Florida) They did beautifully for weeks, grew like weeds, bloomed constantly. But now some are looking faded, getting crispy brown/black spots on them. You mentioned a fungus in an earlier posting but not how to fight it. I don’t want to lose my gorgeous border.
When I planted the border, I put down lots of newspaper around the plants, then landscaping weed barrier over that, then mulch. I only watered them enough to get them started as they are happier in dry conditions. Will they respond to any kind of an anti fungal treatment? Please help me save my border….

Hi Susan
A fungicide will help control the disease from spreading but not elliminate it. Your local garden center should have some recommendations such as Daconil, Compass.
I’m wondering if perhaps your lantana is being kept too wet with all the weed barriers that you have on the soil. The roots need to breathe and have good drainage in order to thrive. Have you had a rainy season lately? that could also contribute to the leaf spot problem. Avoid water on the leaves (sprinklers) and water early in the day so that it has time to dry before the evening. Be sure to remove any diseased leaves so that they don’t spread.

By: Joyce Miller

Joyce Miller — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:18:35 +0000

I live in Virginia and the winters are bad so I have never tried to keep a Lantana over the winter. This is my first year to try. I brought it into my basement where I have grow lights but it has lost all of its leaves and appears dead.I have watered it to much I’m sure about twice a week. Do you think it will come back next year and should I cut it back and put it in a dark place. I don’t think my basement gets below 55,maybe 60.

Hi Joyce
See the above comment to Carrie regarding indoor storage. Temperatures of 55-60F should be fine. Keep it dormant in a cool, dark place, don’t bother with the growth lights. If the plant is large, cut it back to make it manageable. You can also trim any dead stems in early spring after new growth appears. If the roots were not damaged then it should return next spring.

By: cathy harkey

cathy harkey — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:08:11 +0000

Seed starter mix
I’ve read all your questions and answers and they were very helpful.

Could you please be exact on the soil/composition used when planting the seeds in late winter?
Many thanks!

HI Cathy
A seed soil mix usually comprises of sterilized soil, peat and sand. It may also be a soilless mix composed mainly of peat moss. You can make your own soilless mix with a combination of 1/3 peat, perlite, and vermiculite. Seed soil mix is designed to have a light, fine texture, low nutrients and retain moisture. The commercially prepared seed starting mixes out on the market work well.