Pentas lanceolata
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Tried and True Recommended by 12 Professionals
Common Name: Egyptian star flower
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Rubiaceae
Zone: 10 to 11
Native Range: Yemen to eastern Africa
Height: 1 to 2 feet
Spread: 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
Bloom Color: Pink, Red, White, Lavender
Bloom Description: Pink, magenta, lilac, white
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Unknown
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Evergreen
Wildlife: Attracts Butterflies
Uses: Suitable as Annual

Culture

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. In St. Louis, grow in the ground as bedding annuals that are replaced in the garden each spring or in pots/containers as frost-tender perennials that are overwintered indoors. May be easily grown from seed started indoors in late winter approximately 8-10 weeks before last frost date. During the growing season, water regularly (allow soils to dry somewhat between waterings) and feed monthly. To overwinter, bring pots/containers inside before first frost to a bright, cool (50s) location and reduce watering. Cuttings may also be taken from favorite plants in late summer for overwintering. Also may be grown as a houseplant in a sunny room with high humidity.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Native from Yemen to East Africa, Egyptian star cluster or star flower 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 in the St. Louis area. It is a many-branched, somewhat sprawling plant that features 4” wide rounded clusters (corymbs) of star-shaped flowers over a long summer to frost bloom. Elliptic to lanceolate dark green leaves (to 6” long). Flowers are pink, magenta, lilac or less commonly white.

Plant of Merit

Egyptian star flower is a tropical perennial or subshrub that is commonly grown in the St. Louis area as a sprawling, multi-branched annual rising to 1-2 feet tall. Rounded clusters to 3-5 inches wide of star-shaped flowers bloom from summer to frost. Flower colors include pink, magenta, lilac or white. Elliptic green leaves blend well with the flowers and are attractive throughout the growing season.

Problems

Watch for aphids and spider mites. Whiteflies can be particularly troublesome on indoor plants.

Garden Uses

Beds and borders. Containers. Houseplant. Also may be effectively gown indoors under artificial lights.

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