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. Depending on the variety, the habit of
growth may be upright to about 3', or low and mounding. Full sized pentas are
often sprawling, as tall stems will topple over. The flowers are held in
terminal clusters and self-deadhead. 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.
Africa is probably the original home of pentas.
Identification credit: Tabish
Photographed in cultivation in Manipur & Delhi.
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The flower labeled Star Cluster is ...