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.