How To Space Lantana Plants In A Garden

Lantanas are spreading plants that are typically used as ground covers. Lantanas can grow as tall as 2 to 3 feet and up to 8 feet wide. They work well in small gardens and on slopes for erosion control. Lantanas bloom all year in warm climates. In cooler climates, they go dormant in the winter, but bloom again in the spring. There are many different varieties of lantana plants, but most can grow as perennials in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 11. In cooler zones, lantanas are often grown as annuals. Lantanas prefer full sun or partial shade. They are also known to attract butterflies.

Step 1

Think about how wide your lantana plant can spread. Most lantana varieties can reach a mature spread of 4 feet. This means a two foot perimeter around the original planting site.

Step 2

Space lantana as far apart as they will eventually spread. For example, if your plants will spread out 4 feet, then plant the lantanas 4 feet apart. In a couple of years, the lantana will most likely grow and spread to fill in the space with little pruning, if any. Since some plants do not ever reach their potential mature spread, you may want to plant them a bit closer together, especially if you live in a cooler zone and are only growing it as an annual.

Step 3

Alternatively, space lantana about two thirds of their mature spread. For example, if your lantana's mature spread is 8 feet, then plant them about 5 feet apart. This will fill in the planting site in just one or two years, however, you will need to prune the plants to keep them under control. This is a good thing since pruning encourages more blooms.

Step 4

Cover the bare areas around the lantana plants with a couple inches of mulch, such as bark or pine needles. Once the plants grow and fill in the space, you do not need mulch. Mulch helps retain water and keep the weeds out.