How To Grow Colorful Drought Tolerant Lantana In Containers

This summer while staying in the German Colony in Jerusalem I spotted this lovely Lantana bush and just had to share it with you! Are you wondering how to grow colorful drought tolerant Lantana in containers? I need a bit of a brush-up myself as it has been years since I’ve given it a try, so here goes. That said, I did not find any nice specimens on my last trip to the nursery, so my lantana explorations will likely wait until spring.

Lantana is not only lovely with unique little clusters of tiny flowers that often look like candy, it is exceptionally drought tolerant and thrives in hot, dry conditions. It is often available as a woody bush, or as a trailing variety which is great for planters. Either way so keep this plant trimmed as it can get leggy and not so attractive.

Key Care & Drought Facts For Lantana Planted In The Ground

Establishment: Young plants need regular watering for the first few weeks or year to build a strong root system.
Mature Care: Once established, lantana requires very little water and prefers deep, infrequent soaking rather than daily shallow sips.
Soil: It needs well-draining soil and can easily handle poor or sandy earth.
Sunlight: Full sun is essential for the plant to stay healthy and bloom continuously.

Best Practices for Pot-Grown Lantana

Check the soil: Stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it is time to water.
Water deeply: Pour water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures the entire root ball gets hydrated.
Empty the saucer: Never let the container sit in a pool of standing water. Pour out excess water from the tray after a few minutes to prevent root rot.
Frequency: During peak summer heat, you may need to water 1 to 2 times a week, whereas in-ground lantana can go much longer without help. Always rely on the soil moisture test rather than a strict calendar schedule.

Are you ready to give Lantana a try? If you are planning a drought tolerant garden this plant is a nice companion to the vast array of plants you can consider.