Pentas lanceolata aka Egyptian Starcluster

Taxonomy

Pentas lanceolata, also known as Egyptian starcluster, is a species of flowering plant in the madder family, Rubiaceae. It is native to Africa and Yemen and is widely used as a garden plant, often accompanying butterfly gardens. This tropical woody-based perennial or subshrub typically grows to 1-2’ tall in beds or containers. It features many-branched, sprawling growth and elliptic to lanceolate dark green leaves. The plant produces 4” wide rounded clusters of star-shaped flowers that bloom from summer to frost. The flowers are available in pink, magenta, lilac or white. The genus name Pentas means a series of five, referring to the flower parts that come in fives rather than fours like related genera. The specific epithet, lanceolata, means lance- or spear-shaped. Pentas can be grown as an herbaceous perennial in Zones 10 and 11 and as an annual in less temperate zones. It is often planted as a hedge or border plant and is attractive to hummingbirds but may be affected by spider mites and aphids. Caterpillars may also chew on the foliage.

Common names

Egyptian Starcluster, Pentas, Egyptian Star Cluster

How to care for Egyptian Starcluster

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Egyptian Starcluster is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Egyptian Starcluster should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Egyptian Starcluster loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Egyptian Starcluster requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Pentas is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.


More info:
Wikipedia