Pentas (Egyptian starcluster) Pentas lanceolata
Pentas (Egyptian starcluster) (Pentas lanceolata) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Rubiaceae family, native to East Africa (Ethiopia to Mozambique), Comoros and Yemen. It grows 40 cm–1 m (16 in–3.3 ft) tall and 40–80 cm (16–31 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Pentas (Egyptian starcluster) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Mature height | 40 cm–1 m (16 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 40–80 cm (16–31 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 21–43 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | East Africa (Ethiopia to Mozambique), Comoros and Yemen |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇮🇳 India, 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Pentas (Egyptian starcluster) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not reported as poisonous to people or pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Pentas (Egyptian starcluster)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Pentas (Egyptian starcluster)
- How far apart should I plant Pentas (Egyptian starcluster)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–80 cm (16–31 in).
- Does Pentas (Egyptian starcluster) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Pentas (Egyptian starcluster) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Pentas (Egyptian starcluster)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Pentas (Egyptian starcluster) flower?
- From about May for 21–43 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Pentas (Egyptian starcluster) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not reported as poisonous to people or pets.
- What grows well with Pentas (Egyptian starcluster)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Pentas (Egyptian starcluster). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Domed heads of small five-pointed stars in red, pink, lilac or white, nearly all year in the tropics; one of the best butterfly plants for a bed or pot. Grown as a summer annual in cool climates.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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