Pentas lanceolata, commonly known as penta or star flower, is a perennial flower that can grow into a 3 to 4 ft. shrub, lasting years in the garden.

This article provides information on how to grow Pentas so you can enjoy these plants year after year. Florida Memory - Monarch butterfly on Pentas flower at the Butterfly World attraction in Coconut Creek, Florida. Pentas, or the Egyptian star flower, grow as a perennial in subtropical areas or regions that don't experience frost. Pentas plants need ample sunlight to produce flowers, so place them in full to partial sun locations in the garden. Penta plants are 3- to 4-foot shrubs that are evergreen in some warmer climates of the United States, such as southern Florida. If you're planting more than one penta bush, leave 18 to 24 inches between each plant. Keep the soil moist at 75 degree F; Seedlings emerge in 14-21 days South Florida perennials are the "icing on the cake" of pretty landscaping, as they live several years or longer with cyclical bursts of flowers. When other plants fade in Florida's hot and humid summers, perennials like Pentas lanceolata truly shine. Pentas Indoors. In climates with four seasons, pentas are treated as an annual. It blooms all summer long, even during the hottest weather conditions. Here are the best flowers to plant during the springtime in Florida. The penta can be damaged by frost in other areas, so it needs to be cut back before winter sets in. Pentas. Plant transplants in well-drained, compost-amended soil. Pentas don’t like cold, wet feet. They are very easy to grow by cutting. Pentas can also be cut back to control their sprawling size, or if they become too leggy or top heavy. Native plants have evolved to thrive in the unique conditions of Central Florida. The right plants can also attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, which is a benefit to you and the environment. The plants are only hardy in zones 10 and 11, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. The other options are to plant more pentas in different parts of the garden, so that you do not leave one precious plant at risk, and it is unlikely that all will be found and stripped at once. Pentas is a particularly ideal plant for areas with hot, hot summers, as it can tolerate high heat and will keep on blooming. Pentas may be grown from seed sown early indoors and transplanted outside after frost, or planted as a potted plant. Monarchs are in trouble. Sow pelletized seeds in seed starting formula but do not cover. When grown indoors, pentas require a temperature of at least 55 F and even young indoor plants can produce plentiful flowers in spring and continue to flower from many months.