Egyptian Star Flower

A brief introduction

The Egyptian Star Flower (Pentas lanceolata), commonly known as Pentas, is a tropical flowering plant loved for its star-shaped blooms that appear in clusters. Native to Africa and Arabia, this hardy perennial thrives in warm climates and attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its vibrant flowers come in shades of pink, red, white, and purple.

Popular varieties

Pentas lanceolata, Graffiti Series ~ Compact plants with vibrant, long-lasting blooms, ideal for containers.

Pentas lanceolata, Kaleidoscope ~ Features multi-colored flower clusters for a stunning, eye-catching display.

Soil

Prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A mix of garden soil and compost helps provide the nutrients it needs for lush growth.

Light

Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. For the most abundant blooms, ensure it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water deeply and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

Care

Feed with a balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms. In colder climates, treat it as an annual or overwinter it indoors in pots.

Good for pollinators: Yes

Toxic to pets: No

Fragrant: No

Care difficulty: Easy