Since the lantana is not hardy, you have to overwinter the flowering plant indoors. When the plant can be put out again in spring and what you need to pay attention to, we have summarized all of this for you in this care tip.
When can the lantana be put outdoors?
Lanate lantana can be placed outdoors according to the Ice Saints if the temperatures are between 15 and 20 degrees during the day and do not fall below 5 to 10 degrees at night. However, the plants should first be placed in a sheltered place to get used to the sun.
Mild temperatures
When the lantana is allowed back outdoors depends solely on the climatic conditions. Depending on the region, you should definitely wait until after the Ice Saints, because then there is usually no longer any risk of night frosts. If the temperatures rise to between fifteen and twenty degrees during the day and do not drop below five to ten degrees at night, you can put the plant outside without worry.
Preparation for the outdoors
Start watering a little more heavily two to three weeks before the planned move, i.e. around the end of April, and add a liquid fertilizer (€14.00 on Amazon) to the irrigation water in half the recommended concentration. This stimulates the lantana to sprout and sets the first buds, which often already open.
pruning
It is also important that you cut the plant back a little. When doing this care pruning in spring, remove all dried shoots and leaves. This means that fungi and plant diseases cannot colonize. Take this opportunity to check again for pest infestation and treat if necessary.
You can also make a topiary cut at this time, as is often necessary for the standard lantana after the winter. Always shorten the shoots above one eye and try to leave as much of the fresh green as possible on the plant.
Getting used to the outdoors
The young, tender leaves are not yet used to direct sunlight. Therefore, first place the plant in a protected place where the lantana can adapt to the changed conditions. After about two weeks you can move the small shrub to its final location. It should be exposed to the sun for at least three hours so that many flowers form.
Tip
If the weather forecast predicts late night frosts, you should bring the potted plants into the house overnight. Lantana is one of the heat-loving plants and could suffer massive damage in just one night.
