Pentas lanceolata (Pentas)

Botanical name: Pentas lanceolata

Common names: Pentas, Star Flower, Star Cluster

Family: Rubiaceae

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Dark green, lance-shaped, somewhat furry and deeply veined leaves provide a lush backdrop for prolific clusters of never-ending, five-petaled flowers. These may be red, white, lavender, purple, or shades of pink. Some are two-toned. All are extremely attractive to butterflies, and the red and dark pink varieties delight hummingbirds. In warm weather the plant grows fast and stays in bloom constantly. Where winters are not too severe, pentas are perennial. They may always be treated as an annual and replanted after danger of frost for long-lasting summer color.