Question
QUESTION: Dr. Vann,

Thank you for taking my question.  I live in Kingman, KS (zone 6a).  I have lantanas, mums, and hostas in flower beds.  They are moving into dormancy and I needed some advice on winterizing them.  Should I cut the dormant stems back to the ground and cover the beds with mulch for the winter, or should I wait until Spring to cut back the dormant stems?  Many people in my area do not cut back their perennials until the Spring, claiming that the dead stems and leaves provide protection for the roots in the winter.  However, I read on the Better Homes and Gardens web site that you are supposed to cut the perennials back to the ground to eliminate disease pathogens and insect eggs, and then cover the flower beds with mulch.  I don't have any money budgeted for store bought mulch, so I would have to use leaves from my lawn.  However, if I used leaves from my lawn as mulch wouldn't I just be adding any disease pathogens and insect eggs present in the leaves to the flower beds?  So, I guess I am looking for an expert opinion on the best course of action that I should take.  

Thanks,
Tim

ANSWER: Tim:
Plant diseases are my best suit, however I did check w/some folks here and they tell me that the lantana may not survive the winter in your area anyway. Here in zone 7b it is marginal.  If you want to try it, don't cut it back until springtime- after the last chance for frost. For the winter put mulch around it for insulation. Lantana may be slow to come back and bloom.  It likes hot-hot weather- some references treat it as an annual-that is replace it each year.

For mums (garden type), leave the plant intact over the winter- mulch with pine needles/or straw for insulation.

For Hosta, cut leaves back in fall. Light mulch over plant stems.

You should be pretty safe using the mulch from your lawn.

Be sure to check w/your local county Agricultural Extension office for answers to your plant questions for your area.  This office is usually located in the county courthouse building.

Regards

Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you.  I will try your suggestions.  I was given my lantanas from a co-worker here in town.  Her lantanas come back every year and sprout up new plants all over from their roots, but only grow to approximately 2-3 feet tall and wide.  She said that her lantanas will only come back if they are planted on the south side of her house.  So I planted my lantanas on the south side of my house too, and they did really well.  We have had a couple of hard frosts but they are still green towards the middle and bottom of the plant, although all of the beautiful flowers died with the first light frost.  Here is a link to a photo of my lantanas in full bloom. http://www.flickr.com/photos/27657351@N07/6072759995/sizes/z/in/photostream/

Answer
Tim:
The sheltered area will definitely help take some of the damaging wind and temperatures off these plants.
Thanks for sending the photo. They look quite happy in that location. I had one on the NW  side of my house in my flower bed for 2 or 3 years, then last winter finished it off.  Here, these plants don't have any significant diseases, but spider mites seem to love 'em.

Hope you have a great holidays!

Steve