Pentas lanceolata

Pentas lanceolata (Egyptian Star Cluster)

A tender evergreen perennial with clusters of pink, red or white star-shaped flowers from spring-autumn. Ideal for Butterfly houses and makes a good house plant. Grow in a loam based compost (John Innes No.3) with added sand for drainage. Place somewhere with good natural light but with some protection from very hot sun. In a south facing conservatory or window keep an eye on the plant and if it shows signs of distress move it to a slightly cooler location. These plants can be stood outside for the summer but must be brought in well before any frosts are forecast. Don’t put outside before the end of May because of the risk of frost.

Deadhead regularly during the flowering season to encourage the formation of more flower buds. In summer feed monthly with a high potash feed such as Tomato food.

Mature height and spread is 1m (3ft) if given a large pot.

Minimum temp. plus 10°C  (may be deciduous at low temperatures)