| I purchased this beautiful tree and planted it at my business (campground/resort). Many wonderful comments throught the summer about the beautiful colors. Everyone wanted to know what it was called and where I purchased it. However, when checking the actual paperwork, we discovered that this plant is for Zones 8 - 11. We are Zone 5. I will lose this tree through the winter. Can you send suggestions on how to save it? I assume I will need to pot it. However will it shock the tree now that it has been planted in the ground for almost 6 months. Can it be stored or will we need to take it indoors. Will it survive the indoor gas heat? The tree is doing very well. Everyday it seems to have more beautiful buds. The colors are very vibrant. It still upsets me that a company would sell a tree that is not for our zone. Thank you for your time. Have a wonderful day Carla |
| Garden centers often sell plants that are not winter hardy in their zones with the thought that customers will enjoy them for the summer and then either winter them over indoors or in a greenhouse. It's a common practice; you'll probably find exotics such as banana and citrus trees, as well as Mandevilla in your local nursery. You're right, the lantana won't survive your winter weather outdoors. Pot it up and leave it outside for a few weeks to get over the shock of being transplanted, then gradually move it into a bright spot indoors. It may not flower inside, but it should survive. Keep it out of drafts and away from heat registers. Provide bright light or supplement natural light with a gro-lite or two. Water when the top inch of soil dries out and prune back any overly vigorous stems and branches. Take it back outside in the spring when the weather warms. Best wishes with your lantana! |
