Lantana, often called shrub verbena, is a popular flowering plant prized for its dense clusters of small, tubular flowers in vibrant color combinations like orange, yellow, pink, and red. Native to the tropical Americas, it is grown as a durable, heat-tolerant perennial shrub or as a colorful annual in cooler regions, making it ideal for containers and ground cover. Propagation allows gardeners to multiply their favorite Lantana varieties for free. This is done using either vegetative stem cuttings, which create genetically identical clones, or seeds, which may produce new, unique offspring.
Preparing for Propagation
Propagation timing depends on the method chosen. Softwood cuttings are best taken in late spring or early summer when new growth is abundant, allowing time for roots to establish before cooler weather. If starting from seed, begin indoors in winter or early spring, about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Essential materials include a sterile, well-draining medium, such as a mix of peat moss and perlite, and small containers. For cuttings, select a healthy, vigorous parent plant free of pests. You will need a sharp, sterile tool, such as bypass pruners, and powdered rooting hormone to accelerate root formation.
Propagating from Stem Cuttings
Propagating Lantana from cuttings is the preferred method because it creates a clone genetically identical to the parent plant. Select semi-hardwood stems, which are firm but not woody, from the current season’s growth that has not yet flowered. Cut a segment four to six inches long, making the final cut just below a leaf node where root-producing cells are concentrated. Remove all leaves from the lower two-thirds of the cutting to prevent moisture loss and expose the nodes.
Dip the cut end into powdered rooting hormone and tap off any excess. Use a pencil or dowel to create a hole in the moistened potting medium before inserting the treated cutting about two inches deep. This prevents the hormone from being rubbed off during planting. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or humidity dome to create a humid environment and reduce stress, ensuring the plastic does not touch the foliage. Place the covered pot in bright, indirect light; root development typically begins within three to four weeks.
Propagating from Seeds
Starting Lantana from seeds requires patience and specific preparation to overcome the seed’s natural dormancy. The seeds have a tough outer coat that inhibits water absorption and germination. This hard coat must be softened through scarification, which is accomplished by soaking the seeds in warm water for 12 to 24 hours before planting. Sow the pre-soaked seeds indoors in a sterile, peat-free starting mix, placing them about one-eighth of an inch deep and lightly covering them.
Lantana seeds require consistent warmth to germinate effectively, ideally between 70°F and 75°F. A seed starting heat mat helps maintain this temperature and speeds up the process, as germination can otherwise take several weeks. Place the containers under a grow light or near a bright window, keeping the soil consistently moist. Note that seedlings grown from hybrid plants will not be identical to the parent and may exhibit different flower colors or growth habits.
Post-Propagation Care and Transplanting
Once planted, maintaining high humidity and warmth encourages root formation. Signs of successful rooting usually appear after three to four weeks, often visible as new leaf growth at the top of the cutting. Confirm root development by gently tugging on the cutting; resistance indicates the roots have anchored the plant. At this stage, the new plant must be gradually acclimated to normal air conditions, a process called hardening off.
Begin hardening off by opening the plastic bag or dome for a few hours daily over the course of a week, slowly increasing the exposure time until the cover is removed completely. This slow transition prevents the tender leaves from wilting due to the sudden drop in humidity. Young plants are ready for transplanting when a dense network of roots is visible at the drainage holes. Ensure the new location is in full sun and water the young plants consistently to keep the soil lightly moist until they become fully established.