The lantana (Lantana camara), which comes from Central America, is a very popular pot plant in our latitudes and blooms profusely from June to October. Because the small flower umbels change color, they impress like no other plant with their fascinating play of colors. Adequate fertilization, which is based on the growth cycle of the lantana, is essential for good prosperity and abundance of flowers.
How should you properly fertilize a lantana?
A lantana needs regular fertilization during the growth cycle: After winter dormancy, incorporate long-term fertilizer, give liquid fertilizer for flowering plants every four weeks until flowering, fertilize every two weeks during flowering and gradually reduce fertilization from the end of August/beginning of September.
Fertilization after winter rest
As soon as the lantana has been removed from its winter quarters, it is important to provide it with nutrients. If you repot the small shrub, the fresh substrate contains enough minerals and trace elements for the first few weeks. You can still mix in some long-term fertilizer such as horn shavings (€32.00 on Amazon) or compost. In contrast to other fertilizers, there is hardly any risk of overdosing.
Plants that remain in their planters for another year are supplied with a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants every four weeks until they bloom. Alternatively, you can use fertilizer sticks according to the instructions on the packaging.
Fertilizing during flowering
As soon as the lantana opens its first buds, you can fertilize it more often. The plant now needs nutrients in the dosage stated on the packaging about every two weeks. Please do not overdose, as this will do more harm than good to the lantana.
The winter rest
From the end of August or beginning of September, fertilization is no longer carried out as often. Depending on when and how you overwinter the lantana, fertilization will be completely stopped by October. This ensures that Lantana slides gently into hibernation.
Tip
The right location is important for abundance of flowers. Only when the plant is surrounded by sunlight but protected from rain will it produce countless buds as desired.
