Overwintering lantana

Overwintering lantana

1. 01

   When to bring lantana in

   Lantana is tropical and not frost hardy. Bring it in before the first frost, even a light one, and check it for pests as you do.

2. 02

   Where: bright and frost free

   It overwinters best somewhere bright and frost free: a cool bright room, a conservatory or a stairwell window, ideally at about 10 °C (50 °F). The state horticulture offices in Saxony and Berlin give 5 to 10 °C (41⁠–⁠50 °F).

   In a cooler spot it drops some leaves and regrows in spring. In a warm living room it can be kept like a houseplant at a sunny window.

3. 03

   Watering and feeding in winter

   In a cool room keep the soil almost dry and water only when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) are dry. In a warm room it needs more water.

   No feeding in winter.

4. 04

   Pests in winter quarters

   Whitefly and spider mites are the main indoor pests. Check under the leaves regularly.

5. 05

   Pruning before and after winter

   In autumn, shorten it only as much as it needs to fit its winter spot. Do it a few days before moving it in, not right before, so the cuts can dry. Leave the hard pruning for late winter or early spring, before new growth starts, and wear gloves because the leaves can irritate skin.

6. 06

   When it can go back outside

   Once frost is over, usually from mid May. Harden it off first by putting it out during the day and bringing it in at night for a few days.

7. 07

   Common mistakes

   Cutting right before moving it in: fresh cuts should dry first.

   Too much water: in a cool room keep it almost dry.

   Forgetting it is toxic: leaves and especially unripe berries are poisonous, so keep it out of reach of cats, dogs and small children in winter too.

Common questions