Botanical Name: Pentas lanceolata
Common Name: Pentas, Star clusters Type of Plant: dicot: perennial Habit of Growth: Overall Shape Upright, somewhat rangy perennial with a woody sub-structure; plant becomes covered with clusters of brightly colored star-shaped flowers Height to 5' Spread to 5' Growth Rate rapid Environment: Exposure outdoors full sun; requires warm location for best performance Soil prefers good drainage; may rot in waterlogged soils Hardiness tender; zones 23 and 24 only; used as an annual in other zones Morphology: Leaves ovate to lanceolate, oppositely arranged, to 3 1/2" long, dark green and deeply veined above, lighter green, somewhat hairy beneath Flowers tiny star-like flowers in red, magenta, pink or white, arranged in terminal corymbs throughout the warm season Fruit tiny capsule Propagation: very easy from stem cuttings during the warm season Usage: widely used as an annual or perennial for dense flowers in ‘hot’ colors; works in tropical beds, perennial borders or as a container or specimen plant, sometimes even as a houseplant Landscape Care: Watering needs regular watering, not drought tolerant Fertilizing balanced or low nitrogen fertilizer monthly during warm season Pruning head back hard after danger of frost has passed; deadhead often Pests/Diseases root rot where drainage is poor, cold damage is common Special Conditions/Other Origin: Tropical Africa Family: Rubiaceae Notes: |
Your pictures go here |