Mary Ann Lantana

Planting Instructions for Mary Ann Lantana

1. Choosing the Right Location: Plant in full sun, at least 6 hours a day, for the best bloom power. Mary Ann thrives in hot, sunny spots like patios, walkways, and south-facing beds. In shade it grows leggy and blooms much less. It is hardy in USDA Zones 7 to 11 and can be grown as a colorful summer annual in colder areas.
2. Soil Preparation: Choose well-drained soil that dries between waterings. Lantana does not need rich soil, and heavy, wet ground is more of a problem than poor soil. In clay, loosen the soil and mix in some compost or plant on a slight mound to improve drainage.
3. Planting: Plant after the danger of frost has passed. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball, set the plant at the same depth it grew in its pot, and firm the soil gently. Space plants about 30 inches apart, since each one grows about 30 inches tall and wide.
4. Mulching and First Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. A light layer of mulch helps hold moisture while roots establish, but keep it a few inches from the stems so the base stays dry.

Care Instructions

1. Watering: Water regularly until the plant is established, then only occasionally, because this one is tough. It is very drought tolerant, and overwatering is a more common problem than underwatering, especially in heavy soils. Potted plants dry out faster and will need water more often in summer.
2. Fertilizing: Feed lightly, if at all. A single application of slow-release fertilizer in spring is usually plenty in the ground. Too much fertilizer produces lush leaves with fewer flowers. Container plants benefit from a light monthly feeding during the growing season.
3. Pest and Disease Monitoring: Watch for whiteflies, lace bugs, and spider mites, especially in hot, dry weather, and rinse or treat with insecticidal soap if needed. Powdery mildew can appear in shade or where air movement is poor, so full sun and good spacing are the best prevention.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

1. Pruning: Only light pruning is needed to maintain a neat shape. Trim back leggy stems during the season as needed. There is no need to deadhead, because the self-cleaning flowers keep the show going from spring until frost.
2. Winter Care: In the warmest zones it can stay evergreen. In the cooler end of its range it may die back in winter and regrow from the base in spring. Cut the old stems down in early spring once new growth starts to appear at the base.
3. Growing in Containers: Mary Ann does well in containers and hanging baskets. Use a pot with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix, and place it in full sun. Containers also make it easy to move the plant to a protected spot during cold snaps in cooler zones.

Additional Tips for Growing Mary Ann Lantana

1. Pet Safety: Lantana is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The leaves and especially the unripe berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness if eaten. Plant it where pets and small children will not chew on it, and call your vet if you suspect ingestion.
2. Pollinators: The nectar-rich yellow, orange, and pink clusters are a butterfly and bee magnet from spring until frost, making this an easy choice for pollinator beds and sunny patio containers.
3. Shipping Note: Mary Ann Lantana cannot be shipped to Arizona or Oregon due to state agricultural restrictions. Customers in all other states can order it as usual. If you live in AZ or OR, a local nursery may be able to suggest a similar plant approved for sale in your state.