Jessie Keith
Family
Rubiaceae
Botanical Name
Pentas
Plant Common Name
Pentas
General Description
Pentas are tropical plants native to Africa, Arabia and Madagascar. The genus comprises 34 to 40 species of perennials, biennials and shrubs. Most species bear beautiful clusters of colorful flowers and are grown as bedding plants. They are in Rubiaceae, the same plant family as other popular tropicals such as Ixora, Gardenia and Coffee.
Borne in pairs or triads along upright or lax stems, the oval to lance-shaped, evergreen leaves are typically grass green. Domed or flat-topped clusters of long-throated flowers with five-lobed tips appear at the ends of the branches. Bloom is nearly perpetual in mild climates. Flowers may be white, pink, red, purple, or combinations thereof. Butterlies and hummingbirds flock to the flowers. The fruit is a capsule which splits at the tip to spill many dust-fine seeds.
The many cultivars and hybrids of Pentas lanceolata are popular as short-lived perennials in warm zones and as annuals and indoor plants in cooler areas. Plant them in well-drained, humus-rich soil. Plants will tolerate light shade and drought, but will bloom most heavily with full sun and regular watering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms, and prune plants every so often to encourage new growth. Pentas are propagated by seed and cuttings. Plants grown as summer annuals should be started indoors in late winter.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
-
Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 23, 24
-
Plant Type
Broadleaf Evergreen
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
-
Height
1'-6' / 0.3m - 1.8m
-
Width
1'-3' / 0.3m - 0.9m
-
Bloom Time
Indeterminate
-
Native To
Africa, Madagascar
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
-
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
-
Soil type
Loam
-
Tolerances
Drought
-
Growth Rate
Fast
-
Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Flower Color
White, Red, Purple, Pink
-
Fruit Color
Tan
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
-
Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
-
Fragrant Flowers
No
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Flower Petal Number
Single
-
Repeat Bloomer
Yes
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
No
-
Foliage Texture
Medium
-
Foliage Sheen
Matte
-
Evergreen
Yes
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
-
Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
No
-
Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
-
Self-Sowing
No
