Bernieh's Garden
Pentas
Genus: Pentas.
Species: Pentas lanceolata.
Common name: Pentas
Botanic name: Pentas Lanceolata
Family: Rubiaceae
A shrubby flowering perennial, a good standby for our climate in a semi-shaded position. 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.
