Pentas Lucky Star® – Mix
Pentas lanceolata Lucky Star® – Mix
Characteristics
- Type: Annual
- Zone: 10 – 11
- Common Name: Egyptian Star Flower
- Height: 1 – 2 Feet
- Spread: 1 – 2 Feet
- Bloom Time: Seasonal Bloomer
- Bloom: Mixed (Showy)
- Sun: Full Sun – Part Shade
- Water: Medium – High
- Maintenance: Low
- Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
- Texas Superstar®
Culture
Pentas Lucky Star® – Mix is winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-11 where it is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates part shade, but best flowering in full sun. Best in organically rich, fertile soils. Outside Zone 10-11, grow in the ground as bedding annuals that are replaced in the garden each spring or in pots or containers as frost-tender perennials that are overwintered indoors. During the growing season, water regularly (allow soils to dry somewhat between waterings) and feed monthly. To overwinter, bring pots or containers inside before first frost to a bright, cool (59-50°F) location and reduce watering. Also may be grown as a house plant in a sunny room with high humidity.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Pentas lanceolata, commonly called Egyptian star cluster or star flower, is native from Yemen to East Africa. It is a tropical woody-based perennial or subshrub that grows 3-6’ tall in its native habitat, but more typically to 1-2’ tall in beds or containers. It is a many-branched, somewhat sprawling plant that features 4” wide rounded clusters of star-shaped flowers over a long summer to frost bloom. Elliptic to lanceolate dark green leaves are up to 6” long. ‘Lucky Star®’ Mix flowers range from White to Pink to Violet to Deep Red.
Problems
Watch for aphids and spider mites. Whiteflies can be particularly troublesome on indoor plants.
Garden Uses
Beds and borders. Containers. House plant. Also may be effectively gown indoors under artificial lights.