We have officially entered fall, but in many parts of the US, mild temperatures can continue for a few more weeks. And while some summer plants are beginning to slow down, lantana is usually still putting on a rather remarkable show, covered in clusters of brilliantly colored flowers that seem determined to keep summer going for just a little bit longer.

I particularly like the fiery varieties at this time of year. ‘Dallas Red’, typically grown in zones 8 to 11, produces vibrant clusters of orange and red flowers that provide a welcome pop of color as the rest of the yard begins its gradual transition into fall. After months of growth, however, even the toughest lantana can benefit from a little attention to keep it looking its best.

Knowing how to grow lantana and what to do with lantana in October will depend largely on where you live. In warmer regions, plants can have weeks or even months of flowering still to come, whereas gardeners farther north might already be thinking about the first frost and whether to overwinter container-grown plants. And, if you want to add more late-season color to your yard, its not too late, as live lantana plants are available from Walmart.

1. Watering

October can be deceptive when it comes to watering. Mornings might feel noticeably cooler in northerly regions, but a lantana sitting in full sun can still dry out remarkably quickly by the end of a warm day, particularly when growing in pots by the front door, for example.

Lantana is fairly drought-tolerant perennial once established, so plants growing in the ground shouldn't need constant attention.

As mentioned, however, container-grown lantana will need checking more regularly. Push a finger into the potting mix and water thoroughly if it feels dry, allowing excess water to escape from the drainage holes. As temperatures fall, growth will begin to slow and you can gradually reduce watering accordingly.

For easy watering, try this garden hose from Walmart.

2. Deadheading

A quick tidy of your lantana plants every week or so will keep plants looking much fresher.

Using clean pruners, snip off spent flower clusters just above a healthy pair of leaves. Try these Felco pruners from Walmart if you need a new pair.

There is another good reason to do this. Lantana camara is considered one of the most invasive species in the world. Birds can spread the seeds contained in its berries, so, by removing spent blooms before berries develop can help to limit unwanted self-seeding in your yard and beyond.

Deadheading isn't essential for all modern lantana varieties however. For example, 'New Gold' is totally sterile cultivar.

'New Gold' live lantana plants can be ordered via Amazon now.

3. Pruning

Lantana in October can be looking a little unruly. After an entire summer of growth, long stems can sprawl across paths, flop over the sides of containers or begin to muscle in on neighboring plants.

You can shorten particularly long or wayward stems, cutting just above a healthy pair of leaves to encourage a neater shape.

Keep this fairly restrained, however. October isn't the time for a dramatic renovation prune, particularly in regions like zone 4 where cooler weather is only a few weeks away.

4. Stop feeding

During spring and summer, a container-grown lantana can benefit from occasional feeding to support all that vigorous growth and flowering, but there comes a point when encouraging more growth does more harm than good. That point is now.

In warmer regions, you might continue to use feed for a few weeks yet, particularly if plants are still growing well. But, in cooler zones, I would stop feeding.

5. Think about Overwintering

What happens next depends very much on where you garden. In warmer regions (like zone 10), lantana can behave as a perennial, surviving winter outdoors and keeping much of its green growth.

In colder zones, however, the first hard frost will usually spell the end for plants left outside. This is no bad thing if you treat lantana as an annual, of course.

But, if your lantana is growing in a container, October is a good time to decide whether you want to overwinter it. Before bringing any plant indoors to a greenhouse, you want to give the leaves and stems a thorough inspection. Whiteflies and spider mites can easily go unnoticed outside, and the last thing you want is to introduce them to sheltered greenhouse.

What to Shop

October doesn't have to signal the end of flowers in the yard. While lantana can keep warmer gardens filled with color well into fall, there are plenty of hardy perennials that are only just reaching their peak.

For another late-season job, see our guide to caring for asters in September, with simple tips to keep plants healthy and flowering for as long as possible.

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