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Butterfly Garden

Pentas

Pentas

​​Pentas lanceolata

• Common names: Pentas, Egyptian Star Flower
  
• Scientific name: Pentas Lanceolata
  
• Family name: Rubiaceae
  
• Origin: Africa
  
• Height: 1-2 ft
  
• Width: 1-2 ft
  
• Growth: Rapid
  
• Zone: 10-11
  
• Light needs: Full sun - partial shade
  
• Salt tolerance: Moderate
  
• Soil/pH/Texture: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil. Prefers acidic soils (pH <6.0)
  
• Moisture: Needs moderate, regular watering.
  
• Drought tolerance: Moderate
  
• Pests/Disease: Spider mites and aphids; caterpillars may chew on its leaves.
  
• Growing conditions: Best grown outdoors in sunny areas. Water regularly. It can be grown in the ground or in a container or planting box.
  
• Characteristics: Leaves are ovate, pointed, and grow in opposite pairs. The leaves are medium-green and have prominent veins. Stems are herbaceous. Flowers are small and range in color, from white to purple to red. These flowers have five petals and grow in large clusters at the end of stems.
  
• Propagation: By cuttings
  
• Wildlife: The flowers are attractive to pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
  
• Facts: Pentas is a commonly used butterfly garden plant due to its brightly colored flowers and attractiveness to pollinators. Its flowers have a star-like shape, hence one of its common names, the Egyptian star. In warm regions, it blooms throughout the year.
  
• Designer Considerations: Its small size makes Pentas a great choice for ground cover or for a patio plant. It can also be used for borders, hedges, and mass plantings, with its brightly colored flowers making it a good choice for butterfly gardens.