Trailing lantana, also known as Lantana montevidensis, is a beautiful plant that can add color and vibrancy to any garden or landscape. However, whether or not it will come back every year can depend on several factors.
Firstly, it is important to consider the climate and location. Trailing lantana is native to South America and thrives in warm and tropical climates. In areas with mild winters and no freezing temperatures, trailing lantana can often act as a perennial and come back year after year. This is especially true in southern regions of the United States, such as Florida and Texas.
However, in areas with colder winters and frost, trailing lantana may not survive the winter and will need to be replanted each season. The plant is not frost-hardy and can be damaged or killed by freezing temperatures. In these regions, it is best to treat trailing lantana as an annual and replant it in the spring once the danger of frost has passed.
Another factor that can influence whether trailing lantana comes back every year is the specific cultivar or variety. Some cultivars of trailing lantana are more cold-tolerant than others and may have a better chance of surviving the winter. It is always a good idea to check with local nurseries or gardening experts to find out which varieties are best suited to your specific climate and region.
In terms of care, there are a few steps you can take to improve the chances of trailing lantana coming back each year. Firstly, wait for a killing frost before cutting back the plant. This will help to ensure that the plant goes into dormancy and is better able to withstand the winter months. Once the plant has been cut back, you can apply a layer of mulch around the base to provide some insulation and protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
Additionally, it is important to provide trailing lantana with proper care throughout the growing season. This includes regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning to promote healthy growth. By keeping the plant in optimal condition, you increase its chances of surviving the winter and coming back the following year.
Whether trailing lantana comes back every year can depend on the specific climate, location, and cultivar. In warm and frost-free regions, it can act as a perennial and return year after year. However, in colder regions with freezing temperatures, it is best to treat trailing lantana as an annual and replant it each season. By understanding the needs of the plant and providing proper care, you can increase the chances of trailing lantana surviving the winter and coming back for many years to come.
