Lantana are not hardy and must therefore be overwintered indoors. After the hibernation, the small shrub usually starts to sprout vigorously in spring, puts on new leaves and soon forms numerous flower buds. But what to do if the lantana does not bud as hoped but remains bald?
Sometimes the lantana shows its colorful flowers quite late
Lantana sometimes sprout late
Other plants that have overwintered in the house are often already full of juice and are thriving while the lantana is still asleep. Gently score the branch with your fingernail. If plant sap escapes, you can be quite sure that the lantana will soon bud. All you have to do then is be patient.
Bad bonds in winter quarters
The fact that the plant sprout so late, sometimes it can be the beginning of June before the first fresh green appears, is often due to less than ideal conditions in the winter quarters. A room that is not too dark with constant temperatures between five and ten degrees would be ideal. The root ball of the lantana should never dry out.
A pruning stimulates budding
To stimulate new growth, you can cut back the Lantana a bit. Remove any obviously dead shoots and shorten the branches by about a third.
Move to the open air
As long as there is no threat of night frost, you can put the Lantana outside. The changed conditions often cause the plant to drift and quickly form a dense foliage. However, make sure not to place the Lantana in the sun immediately. Place the small shrub in a sheltered spot away from direct sunlight for the first two weeks. If late night frosts are announced, the lantana must be brought back into the house overnight.
tips
Lantana are somewhat sensitive to lime. Therefore, water the plant all year round with decalcified water or use soft rainwater.