Star Cluster, Egyptian Star Flower, Pentas, Egyptian Star Cluster
Type Perennial
Hardy range 8B to 11
Height 24" to 4' / 60cm to 1.20m
Spread 12" to 36" / 30cm to 90cm
Growth rate Fast
Form Rounded
Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence Evergreen and semi-evergreen
Bloom Color Red
Bloom Time Spring through Fall
The flowers are showyEnvironment This plant tolerates some drought and a little salt.
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to neutral (less than 6.8 to 7.2) soil.
Leaf Color Green
This plant has attractive foliage.
Culture Notes Tolerant of a wide-range of soil types, Pentas prefers fertile, well-drained soils, regular moisture, and will grow quickly in full sun or light shade. Plants will flower fairly well with as little as 2 to 3 hours of sun each day. Plants can be dug, cut back, and stored in a container of soil over the winter in climates that receive freezing temperatures. Water occasionally to keep roots from drying out and replant and fertilize in the spring. Heavy mulch applied over the crown of plants cut back to the ground will help plants survive winter in hardiness zone 8. In most years, plants regrow from the partially buried stems in the spring. Plants can be clipped as a hedge but flower production will suffer. They are best left unclipped so flowers are free to develop on new growth. Plants serve as butterfly nectar sources.
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