Pentas lanceolata (Egyptian Star Flower)
Egyptian Star Flower, Egyptian Star Cluster, Star Cluster, Pentas carnea
Lush-looking, Pentas lanceolata (Egyptian Star Flower) is a tropical woody-based perennial or subshrub in its native habitat but usually grown as a summer bedding annual or as a houseplant in cooler areas. Its stems are topped by showy rounded clusters, 4 in. across (10 cm), of star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, lilac or white. As a perennial, Egyptian Star Flower provides nearly year-round color. As an annual, it blooms in summer. The blossoms are extremely popular with butterflies or hummingbirds and are long-lasting as cut flowers. Equally handsome is the foliage of pointed oval green leaves, up to 6 in. long (15 cm), adorned with prominent veins on their undersides. Perfect for borders and containers or as a houseplant.
- Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall and wide (60-90 cm) and as large a 6 ft. tall and wide (180 cm) in its native habitat.
- Performs best in full sun in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates part shade, but best flower production occurs in full sun. Water regularly during the growing season and feed monthly.
- Perfect addition to beds and borders, Mediterranean gardens or containers.
- Generally disease fee. Watch for aphids, spider mites and whiteflies.
- May be easily grown from seed started indoors in late winter approximately 8-10 weeks before last frost date.
- Native to eastern Africa, Arabian penninsula.
Buy Pentas lanceolata (Egyptian Star Flower)
Requirements
Hardiness | 10
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 30" – 36" (75cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 10
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 30" – 36" (75cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |