Also known as Egyptian Starcluster · 95 saves
Pentas
Pentas, the genus most gardeners know as egyptian starcluster. We track 6 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 5 most-saved Pentas varieties
Browse all 6 Pentas varieties →
Species of Pentas
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Pentas in Sow
Save the Pentas you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Pentas
Whats common across all Pentas varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them.
The Pentas year
- PlantApril and May83% of varieties
Plant outdoors after danger of frost has passed (treat as annual in Zone 7)
- DeadheadMay–September83% of varieties
Remove spent flower clusters to maintain appearance and vigor
- FertilizeMay–August83% of varieties
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly for continuous flowering
- Pinch TipsApril and May33% of varieties
Pinch back young stems early to encourage a denser, bushier habit
- Winter PrepOctober33% of varieties
If desired, pot up and bring indoors before first hard frost
Do
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
- Water regularly but avoid overwatering 🌱
- Prune to shape and encourage new growth ✂️
- Fertilize monthly during the growing season
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming
Avoid
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not fertilize in late fall or winter
- Avoid planting in deep shade
What goes wrong with Pentas
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing, speckled leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or miticide |
| Whitefly | Small white insects lifting in clouds when disturbed, with sticky leaves beneath | Treat the leaf undersides where the young stages feed, and use yellow sticky traps to monitor |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation, apply fungicide |
| Root rot | Plants wilt and collapse from the base despite wet soil, with darkened roots | Use free-draining compost, water only when the surface has dried, and never leave pots standing in water |
Making more Pentas
Cuttings
- Tuck 4-inch cuttings into moist soil, keep humid for 6 weeks
- Mist regularly to maintain humidity
- Transplant rooted cuttings after 6 weeks
Seeds
- Sow seeds on moist soil surface in early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2-3 weeks until germination
- Thin seedlings to proper spacing after sprouting
Pentas questions
How many types of Pentas are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Pentas varieties. The most popular — ranked by 95 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Pentas grow in?
Across its varieties, Pentas covers USDA Zones 5–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Pentas bloom?
Most Pentas varieties bloom in mid-summer, summer to fall, summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Pentas should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.