Lantana is a popular flowering shrub cherished for its continuous, vibrant blooms that last from spring until the first cold snap. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, it performs robustly in intense summer conditions but is vulnerable to cold. Understanding its specific temperature limits determines whether it can be treated as a reliable perennial or an annual that must be replanted each season.
Cold Tolerance and Hardiness Zones
Lantana is classified as a perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11, relying on mild winter temperatures for long-term survival. The plant enters dormancy when temperatures drop below approximately 36°F, and its top growth typically dies back in colder areas. Survival depends on the temperature the root system is exposed to, which determines if the plant will return in the spring.
A light frost may cause only foliage and stem dieback, allowing the root crown to remain alive and sprout new growth when warm weather returns. However, the plant will not survive if temperatures consistently dip below 28°F, as this sustained cold is fatal to the root structure. Certain cultivars, such as ‘Miss Huff,’ demonstrate remarkable cold tolerance, surviving temperatures as low as 0°F and making them reliable in Zone 7. For most standard varieties, the risk of root death increases once the soil experiences a hard, deep freeze.
Practical Strategies for Winter Survival
Protecting in-ground lantana in marginal zones, such as Zone 8 or mild Zone 7, requires insulating the root crown from severe cold. Gardeners should wait until after the first hard frost (typically below 26°F) before cutting the plant back. Pruning the dead top growth to six to twelve inches above the soil line allows the plant to focus energy on root health rather than maintaining damaged foliage.
Following the cutback, a substantial layer of insulating mulch is required to stabilize soil temperature and prevent deep freezing. Applying two to three inches of organic material (such as straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves) directly over the root zone shields the crown from cold. In zones too cold for in-ground survival, container-grown plants can be brought indoors before the first frost to overwinter. Potted plants should be placed in a cool, bright environment (ideally 55°F to 65°F) and watered sparingly to maintain semi-dormancy until spring.
Thriving in Heat and Drought Resistance
Lantana exhibits remarkable performance at the high end of the temperature spectrum, often thriving in conditions that cause other flowering plants to struggle. It requires full sun—a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily—which encourages prolific bloom production. The optimal temperature range for robust growth and continuous flowering is between 75°F and 90°F.
The plant’s resilience extends to exceptional drought tolerance once its root system is established. While it appreciates regular watering during its initial establishment period, mature lantana is among the most heat- and drought-tolerant ornamental choices available. Even when temperatures exceed 90°F, the plant typically maintains vigor, often performing better in scorching conditions than in mild ones. This combination of heat tolerance and water-wise characteristics makes it a reliable choice for summer landscapes and water-restricted gardens.