I have a very large Lantana bush and would like to prune it. I want to prepare it for tansplanting n the spring. I live on the Coast of North Carolina, in zone 8

Answer #1 · Maple Tree's Answer · Hi Janet-If you are going to transplant this lantana in the spring I would do nothing to it at this time. If it is extremely over grown you can prune it back a little now but I would not do any heavy pruning. Lantanas should always be pruned back in late winter or early spring just as new growth starts to appear and no late frost is expected. Lantanas should never be pruned in late summer or fall as this makes them more susceptible to the winter cold and moisture brought about by any rain. Pruning in the fall can be a real killer of lantanas. The lantanas need the protection of the old foliage and stems to protect it against freezing temperatures and prolonged moisture on the crown. Pruning in the fall will lead to too much moisture around the crown causing the crown of the plant to rot. In the spring you can cut your plant back by 1/3 to 1/2 making it much easier to handle when transplanting. This is also the time to cut out any winter damage and or dead growth. If the plant is quite large and woody looking it can be cut back to within a foot or so of the ground. If the plant is still nice and full looking and has not overgrown its location I would only cut it back 1/3 to 1/2 its size before transplanting.

Please ask if you have any other questions.

John)