How to Grow and Care for Trailing Lantana for Year-Round Blooms

Trailing Lantana Care

To grow trailing lantana, follow these care requirements.

• Plant in well-draining soil.
• Choose a planting location that receives full sun.
• Water thoroughly to maintain moisture, especially in sandy soil conditions.
• Fertilize once in the spring if desired and more often for plants grown in a container, using a well-balanced formula.

Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best-growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more!

Light

Trailing lantana do best with full sun conditions. The ideal planting spot will receive at least six hours of direct sun each day. In partial shade conditions, the plant will not flower as abundantly. 

Soil

This plant tolerates a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soil. The most important thing is that the soil is well-draining. A neutral pH is best for trailing lantana. 

Water

Consistent watering is beneficial for trailing lantana but the plant can withstand short bouts of drought. In general, though, plan to water on a weekly basis and more often if the soil is sandy and doesn’t hold moisture well. 

Temperature and Humidity

Trailing lantana prefers warm climates with moderate humidity levels. Too much cool, wet weather can cause fungal problems for the plant.

When grown in USDA zones 8 to 11, trailing lantana is a perennial. Otherwise, it’s an annual that’s best planted in the spring. Note that in USDA zone 8, the plant is root hardy, meaning that it will die back in the winter but resprout in the spring. 

Fertilizer

Trailing lantana doesn’t typically require regular fertilization to thrive and too much fertilizer can stifle flower production. However, you can apply fertilizer to the plant in early spring for a boost of nutrients.

If you grow trailing lantana as a container plant, applying a well-balanced fertilizer formula (like 20-20-20) on a monthly basis throughout the spring and summer can supplement available nutrients. 

Common Pests & Plant Diseases 

The most common pests for trailing lantana are spider mites or whiteflies.

Whiteflies are most common during periods of hot and dry weather; the same is true for spider mites. For treating both types of pests, use neem oil or an insecticidal soap. Left untreated, the damage caused by whiteflies and aphids can introduce a fungal infection known as sooty mold. 

Other plant diseases that are known to affect trailing lantana include powdery mildew and root rot. These conditions are typically related to damp conditions with insufficient airflow. 

Common Problems With Trailing Lantana

Trailing lantana are generally regarded as easy to grow and care for. However, problems related to overwatering or too little sun can hinder foliage growth and flower production.

Leaves Turning Yellow

If the leaves of a trailing lantana plant begin to yellow, it could be a sign that the plant is receiving too little sunlight. Verify that the location is receiving at least six hours of direct sun daily. If not, transplant to a more suitable location. 

Another reason that trailing lantana has yellow leaves is overwatering. Cut back on watering until the soil dries out and, if necessary, dig up the plant and remove any mushy, foul-smelling roots. If the soil is draining poorly, improve it with soil amendments to support drainage. In addition, be sure to use a container with a drain hole for potting trailing lantana plants. 

Limited Flower Production

The trailing lantana is known for bountiful flower production during the spring and summer months. If your plant is failing to produce flowers, be sure that you aren’t over-fertilizing it.

Too much nitrogen causes the plant to put its energy into producing leaves rather than flowers. Too little sun can also slow flower production, so verify that the plant is in a location with full sun.