Wikimedia Commons
Rubiaceae
Egyptian Star Cluster
Pentas lanceolata
Wishes, hope, joy.
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Genus
- Pentas
- Native to
- East Africa, Arabian Peninsula
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Type
- Tropical perennial; annual in cool climates
- Height
- 30–90 cm
- Sunlight
- Full sun to part shade
- Soil
- Rich, well-drained
- Water
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- 10–11; annual elsewhere
- Lifespan
- Perennial in tropics
Did you know
- Each tiny star-shaped flower has exactly five petals — the genus name Pentas comes from the Greek word 'pente' meaning 'five'.
- The flowers are arranged in dense flat-topped clusters — the perfect butterfly landing pad — and pentas is one of the very best butterfly plants for hot summer gardens.
- Hummingbirds, monarchs, swallowtails, and even hummingbird hawk moths all adore the nectar-rich blooms.
- Despite the name 'Egyptian star cluster', it's actually native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula rather than Egypt itself.
- It blooms reliably from spring until frost, asking only for full sun and a regular drink to keep producing new flower clusters.
Color meanings
Red
Bright wish