What Time of Year Is Best to Divide Lantana?

Lantana produces clusters of blooms in varied shades.

Lantana produces clusters of blooms in varied shades.

Lantanas (Lantana camara) grow as perennials in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11, and with winter protection, in USDA zone 9. Elsewhere, grow them as annuals. Although you can divide lantanas almost any time of year in a warm climate, some seasons are better than others.


Lantanas, like most perennials, respond well to spring or fall division. During these seasons, the weather's cooler and the soil is naturally moist. Plants suffer less from transplant shock than they would during the heat of summer and begin to establish roots more quickly. Divide lantanas in fall at least four weeks before cold weather sets in so the plants have time to become established. The best time for division is just as nights start to cool down.

Plant Development

Another reason to avoid dividing lantanas in summer is because they're at the height of their blooming period during this time. If you divide them in summer, you risk cutting the bloom season short. Additionally, plants in bloom have less energy available for root development so the transplants might be slower to put out new growth. Don't wait to divide lantanas until it looks tired and overgrown. Divide the plant when growth is still vigorous and the plant appears healthy and strong.


Dividing lantanas is a fairly simple procedure. Choose a sunny spot for the new transplants and amend the soil with compost or manure to improve drainage. When removing lantanas from the soil, you should dig directly beneath the tips of the longest stems or branches. This might seem like a large hole, but the root system is probably as extensive as the top growth. The plants can be cut into thirds or fourths with a knife or sharp trowel. The new hole should be large enough to accommodate the root system. Newly planted lantanas need consistent moisture while they become re-established.

Additional Maintenance

In addition to the occasional division, lantanas need regular pruning to control their growth and maintain health. Prune them back to 12 inches above the soil in spring. Following the first bloom, shear them lightly to encourage more flowers. The plants can also be cut back by about one-third if they become too large. Lantanas are invasive in many areas and some cultivars produce blue-black berries that are poisonous to people and animals. Cut back the flowers before they produce berries to prevent the plants' unwanted spread, as well as potential injury.

Photo Credits

  • Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
Suggest a Correction