Fertilizing Lantana for Maximum Blooms

Lantana Fertilization: Less Is More for Prolific Flowering

Lantana (Lantana camara) is a flowering powerhouse, but improper fertilization can reduce bloom production. Understanding the right nutrient balance keeps these shrubs blooming from spring through frost.

The Ideal Fertilizer Ratio

Choose a fertilizer with slightly higher nitrogen than phosphorus and potassium, but avoid high-nitrogen lawn formulas. Look for ratios like 12-6-6, 12-4-8, or even balanced 10-10-10 and 14-14-14. The three numbers represent nitrogen (N), phosphorus oxide (P), and potash (K) percentages.

Slow-Release Nitrogen Is Key

Opt for products with coated, slow-release nitrogen. This provides steady nutrition without the surge that promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. Apply once in early spring—heavy or frequent feeding reduces flowering.

Watering and Pruning for Better Blooms

Water deeply once weekly (twice in extreme heat) using soaker hoses rather than daily light watering. Maintain 2–4 inches of mulch. Prune hard in early spring to remove dead wood, and tip-prune spent flowers during the growing season to encourage new flushes.

What to Avoid

Steer clear of lawn fertilizers (29-3-4, 33-3-3) and high-phosphorus bloom boosters (15-30-15). These formulations disrupt the balanced nutrition lantana needs.