When you see soil begin to dry out, it’s time to water. The flowers are generally pink, red or white, but new cultivars have introduced tones of purple and lavender and mixed blooms such as pink with red centers. For information about pentas plant pruning, including tips on when to cut back a pentas plant, read on. How to Care for a Penta Plant. [Fertilize perennial and annual Pentas on a monthly basis using a When planting this easy care flower in spring include a slow-release fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients for the plant to grow and thrive. Family: Rubiaceae Will overwinter where temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Spread: 1.00 to 2.00 feet Pentas lanceolata, commonly called Egyptian star cluster or star flower, is native from Yemen to East Africa.It 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. As perennials, they grow hardy in US Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 10 and 11. Also may be grown as a houseplant in a sunny room with high humidity.Watch for aphids and spider mites.
Repeat the watering cycle when the soil begins to dry out.
In St. Louis, grow in the ground as bedding annuals that are replaced in the garden each spring or in pots/containers as frost-tender perennials that are overwintered indoors.
Keep an eye on the watering schedule, especially in the hotter summer months, when plants may require more water. Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-11 where it is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Trim damaged and dead stems during late winter before spring arrives. Houseplant. It blooms all summer long, even during the hottest weather conditions. Clusters of many shallow blooms provide an easy access for the butterfly proboscis, allowing the insects to dip into many flowers in a short period. As perennials, they grow hardy in US Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 10 and 11. come in both annual and perennial varieties.
Follow up with monthly liquid feedings, using the recommended application rates listed on the label.Also in the springtime add a 2″ inches tall layer of mulch to conserve precious water and To encourage full bushy growth gently pinch the stems. Pentas (Pentas lanceolata) are also called Egyptian stars for the blooms five-pointed shape. Provided they get plenty of water, sunshine and heat, they will perform beautifully and reward you with an abundance of blooms. Plant Pentas to grow as annuals in cooler climate’s and zones.Pentas plants develop small, pink star flowers in bright, bold hues for summer long blooms.
Below are several current popular pentas introductions:Plantcaretoday.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.comBy entering your email address you agree to receive a daily email newsletter from Plant Care Today.
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Sign up for our e-newsletter Growth and Care. Water: Medium However, for homeowners growing from cutting is easiest.Grow Pentas flowers happily in the ground or as container plants. Reintroduce the plant gradually to the outdoors in spring as soon as ambient temperatures are 65 F. (18 C.) or more.Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Pentas propagate easily from cuttings or seeds. Native Range: Arabian penninsula, eastern Africa Pentas are great plants for container gardens and also work well in mass plantings in garden beds.
When planting multiples, space plants 18″ to 24″ inches between each plant.In addition to sunlight, Pentas care requires plenty of water. Best in organically rich, fertile soils.
White Pentas lancelota. Noteworthy Characteristics. Also may be effectively gown indoors under artificial lights.The Garden wouldn't be the Garden without our Members, Donors and Volunteers. Pinch off leggy shoots and remove faded flowers. Type: Herbaceous perennial These plants grow fairly slow and are commonly found as container or bedding plants. The genus is so-named because there are five lobes at the end of each tubular flower. The genus Pentas, species lanceolata, belongs to the Rubiaceae family, which includes other beloved ornamentals like gardenias, as well as plants with economic importance like coffee.You may see pentas described on plant tags by the common names star flower, Egyptian star flower, or star cluster. Care For A Penta Plant. Tolerates drought, but looks best with regular watering. By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist For more information see: Beds and borders. Pentas Plant - Our Best Tips For Caring For Pentas lanceolata Best in fertile, well-drained soil. Trim damaged and dead stems during late winter before spring arrives. Bees like them too, so consider adding this plan… In many areas of Florida, pentas will grow as perennials, though they will die back after freezes if not protected. This website occasionally uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. We'll respect your privacy and unsubscribe at any time.
They are not prone to many diseases and the main pest problem is Pentas flowers can be used as annuals during summer in climates colder than If you want more of these delightful plants, they are fairly easy to propagate. Pentas is one of those plants like coleus and vinca that has become widely known by its Latin name instead of a different common name.