Pentas lanceolata, known as Egyptian starcluster, is a species of flowering plant in the madder family Rubiaceae, native to much of Africa as well as Yemen. It is known for its wide use as a garden plant where it often accompanies butterfly gardens.
Egyptian star-cluster Care
Pentas lanceolata
What is the plant
Pentas lanceolata is a tropical woody-based perennial or subshrub that grows 3-6’ tall in its native habitat, but more typically to 1-2’ tall in beds or containers in the St. Louis area. It is a many-branched, somewhat sprawling plant that features 4” wide rounded clusters (corymbs) of star-shaped flowers over a long summer to frost bloom. Elliptic to lanceolate dark green leaves (to 6” long). Flowers are pink, magenta, lilac or less commonly white. Genus name comes from the Greek word pentas meaning a series of five with reference to the flower parts being in fives instead of fours as in related genera. Specific epithet means lance- or spear-shaped.
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Humidity
Normal
Lighting
Full Sun
Temperature
10°C - 18°C
Hardiness zone
10a - 11b
Difficulty
Medium
How to Care for the Plant
Water
Pentas are tropical import, and grow wild in east africa. Water as needed. Be sure to water well in summer months but at the same time don't let autumn and winter rainwater log the plants.
Pruning
It is important to never remove more than a third of the foliage in any one year and to cut just above a node on the stem.
Fertilizer
An organic, balanced, liquid fertilizer once a month during growth period is recommended.
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Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade.
Soil
The ideal blend of soil for plant growth is called loam. Often referred to as topsoil or black dirt by landscape companies, loam is a mixture of sand, clay, and silt.
Temperature
The plant can be grown in the areas with the lowest winter temperatures of +1.7°C (35°F). These plants can be brought indoors to overwinter. Reintroduce the plant gradually to the outdoors in spring as soon as ambient temperatures are 65°F (18°C) or more.
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Container
Pot should provide ample drainage and room for growth.
Popularity
4,486 people already have this plant 780 people have added this plant to their wishlists
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