What is Pentas?

Pentas Lanceolata is a type of flowering plant that is a member of the Rubiaceae family or madman. Pentas is sometimes called Pentas butterflies, Egyptian star block or star flower. Their bright and colorful flowers make them a popular flower for containers on terraces and backyard, but they can also create an attractive performance as a garden border. They produce small star -shaped flowers that grow in clusters. Flowers can be seen in shades of red, purple, pink, white or lilac. Some plants can even produce flowers that are two tones.

Although Pentas are considered annuals, they often grow as perennials in areas where winter is usually mild. The flowering time is usually from spring to autumn, but when they are grown in green houses, plants can be a whole year. Recommended for growth in the US Department of Agriculture Resistant Zone 8 to 11.

while considered mildThe high level of drought tolerance, in fact, prefers slightly acidic soil, which is well drained and somewhat moist. A layer of 2 to 4 inches (5.1-10.2 cm) mulch applied around the plant base can help the soil to maintain moisture during warmer summer days. When used in the garden space, plants should be apart from each other 24 to 36 inches (60 to 90 cm) to spread. They grow best in full sun to divide the sun, but still bloom in a partial shadow. If fertilization is required, the best fertilizer with analysis of 6-2-4 or 4-2-3 is best.

Favorite delicacies for butterflies, bees and hummingbirds, Pentas are ideal plants for butterfly gardens. When planted in the garden, pruning or gripping the rear branches in early spring, stimulating growth will help and produce stronger floral stems in the summer. As flowers disappear, the removal of flower heads will also help to support the growth of more flowers.

There are two spread methods for Pentas: using softwood chains or grownItem plants from seeds. When the seeds grow from the seeds, the heads of the seeds remain on the plant and can dry. Once the heads of the seeds are dry, they are removed and the seeds are collected. Because the seeds do not store well, they are sown as soon as possible.