Lantanas bloom from spring until fall.
image by susush/sxc.hu
Lantana camara--better known as just lantana--is a perennial plant that has vibrant blooms from late spring until the first frost in the fall in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11. Lantanas do well in most soil conditions and can withstand salt conditions, so they are common plants near coastal areas. Plant lantanas in the spring, waiting at least two weeks after the last frost to be sure all frosts have passed.
Select a location in the full sun to plant lantana. The soil should be well-draining. Till in a couple inches of compost or peat moss to help loosen the soil for better drainage if necessary.
Space multiple lantana plants at least several feet apart. Some varieties of lantana grow to be as wide as six feet, but others only grow as wide as two feet. Read the label carefully for spacing instructions, as each species of lantana is slightly different.
Dig holes that are as deep, but twice as wide as the container the lantana come in. Take the lantana out of the container and place it in the hole. Backfill the soil. Pat down the soil to fill in any air pockets.
Keep lantanas evenly moist for the first three to four weeks after planting. Well-established lantanas can withstand mild drought conditions, but their blooms and growth rate may be reduced.While the plants are in bloom, water about an inch of water a week if they did not receive an inch of rain that week. Water at the base of the plant rather than from the top.
Prune throughout the blooming season. Clip off the tips of the blooms as they wither away to encourage new blooms. In the spring, just as you begin to see new growth, prune lantana to about six to 12 inches from the ground.