Egyptian star

Also known as: Egyptian star cluster; star cluster

A tropical evergreen woody-based perennial or sub-shrub, to 2m high, with glossy, hairy, lance-shaped green leaves with deeply impressed veins. Dome-shaped clusters of flowers, with long tubes and spreading, star-shaped petals in shades of pink, purple and white, are produced from spring to autumn

Scientific classification

Species: Egyptian star (Pentas lanceolata)
Genus: Pentas
Family: Rubiaceae

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Toxicity: Herbaceous Perennial · Shrubs
Plant type: 1.5-2.5 metres
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: 20 – 30 °C
Ideal temperature

Egyptian star pictures

Distribution of Egyptian star

Distribution map

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of Egyptian star

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Egyptian star care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: 20 – 30 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

Pruning

Prune lightly as needed to remove unwanted shoots and keep the shrub in shape. Prune in mid- to late spring.

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown at 16-18°C in spring, or by softwood cuttings

Growing

In frost-free areas, may be grown outdoors in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. In colder areas, grow in a temperate greenhouse, or in containers that can be moved indoors over winter, in loam-based potting compost with added leaf mould and sharp sand. Minimum temperature 7°C

More growing and care information →