Egyptian Starcluster

Egyptian Starcluster Care

Pentas Lanceolata 'graffiti White'

What is the plant

A magnet for butterflies, the angelic white flowers of the Graffiti White pentas is perfect in the hot summer landscape. A bushy, compact, tropical perennial that is often grown as an annual, it has origins from plants native to northeastern Africa. Lacking frosts, it is evergreen and has dark green, lance-shaped leaves that contrast nicely with its large, vibrant clusters of small tubular, star-shaped flowers that are purest white. These are everblooming but appreciate regular deadheading for the best continuing flower display.Heat, humidity and drought tolerant once established, Egyptian starcluster needs full to part sun and fertile, well drained soil. It is a vigorous tender perennial that is ideal for sunny borders, butterfly gardens, hanging baskets and containers.

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

min 18°C

Hardiness zone

10 - 11

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
This thirsty plant likes to be grown in continually moist soil. It is considered to be moderately drought tolerant, so don’t worry about it going through occasional bouts of drought, for example, if you go away on vacation and aren’t around to water your plants. However, try not to make a habit of leaving this plant without water; it will be much healthier if you maintain a good level of moisture in its soil.
Pruning
Pruning of Pentas plants is not essential, but pinching off some of the stems will help to encourage bushier growth. You can do this at the end of fall, as well as any shaping of the plant. Dead or damaged stems can be removed at any time of the year, and you can deadhead spent blooms as you notice them to encourage new flowers.
Fertilizer
Fertilize in spring with a slow release granular fertilizer.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
The Pentas plant needs plenty of sunlight to produce its striking flowers. It will thrive in a position of full sun but can also tolerate partial shade in the afternoon as long as it receives a good three to six hours of direct sun each day. If the plant does not get enough sun, you will notice it by the lack of flowers, and its leggy appearance. If kept as a houseplant, situate the plant in a bright window where its light criteria can be met.
Soil
Pentas appreciate a mildly acidic soil pH in the range of 6.0. Amending the soil with compost or leaf mold can increase the acidity of your soil if it’s on the alkaline side.
Temperature
This plant is very versatile and can be grown as a perennial in warm climates or as an annual outdoors in areas which experience cold winters. When grown as an annual they will flourish in summer and die back after the first frost, bouncing back to life in spring providing their roots haven’t gotten too cold over winter.