Question
What is the best way to care for and preserve Miss Huff Lantana throughout the year and thru the Atlanta winters?

Answer
Hi Harvey.

Miss Huff is a beautiful beast, isn't she. You may not know that she's a local girl--from Athens (http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/092703/hga_20030927017.shtml)

You have very little to do to your lantana to keep it looking and feeling good. It should be fully hardy in your area, so you needn't worry about overwintering it much. Next time you have temperatures of 20 below zero you might want to throw a blanket over it, but otherwise, don't worry about it. There's no required annual pruning or such either. Basically, all you need to worry about is if the plant is getting too big for your taste or its own good. If it gets too big for you, you can whack it back to the ground and it should come back fine. Of course, a more moderate approach cutting selected branches would work too. Lantana can get a little lanky, especially in August and September. If this happens, just cut it back and it will bush out and look better. I've never heard of lantana getting rot, but it could happen, especially if you give the plant a lot of nitrogen. Lantana likes hot and dry, so shade and wet in the middle should be avoided. Lantana isn't too particular about nutrients... I never fertilize mine but throw on fresh compost a couple of times a year.

In summary, leave your lantana alone and enjoy it. It should mostly take care of itself.

Good luck!