How to prune Lantana camara
For outdoor Lantana camara, shape shoot growth and remove old wood in late winter or spring. Wait to cut frost-blackened growth until new shoots emerge.
Identify the plant part and the reason for removing it
Choose what to remove
Target shoot growth for size and shape, old woody growth in spring, and frost-blackened material only after the frost period has passed and new growth begins.
Cutting back controls an outdoor plant’s size and shape, removes old woody growth and clears frost-damaged or weak growth.
Decide whether to prune now or wait
Prune at the right time
Use late winter before new growth or spring after the frost season for hard pruning. Leave frost-blackened leaves until temperatures warm and new growth emerges.
Cut only the selected part
Make one clean cut
Trim shoots to control the selected plant’s size and shape, remove woody growth in spring, and clear dead frost debris once frost danger has passed.
Stop when the pruning goal is met
When pruning will not help
Watch the cut and new growth before pruning again
Care for the plant after pruning
Sources
- North Carolina Cooperative ExtensionDescription; Cultural Conditions; Landscape; Cultivars / Varieties
- University of Illinois ExtensionGrowing; Maintenance; Pruning
- University of California Agriculture and Natural ResourcesPlanting/Pruning Needs; Frost damage and spring growth paragraphs
- North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Wayne County CenterWhat to prune now; Summer-flowering shrubs; Lantana camara