Light. Plant in full sun for the most flowers. It still blooms fairly well with 2–3 hours of sun a day.
Water. Water regularly at first, then only when rain is lacking. It needs soil that drains well.
Soil and feeding. Tolerates many soils but prefers fertile ones. Feed with a balanced fertilizer such as Shrub Special about every six weeks.
Size. Grows to about 2 ft tall and 15 inches wide. Space plants 18–24 inches apart in beds.
Pruning. Pinch early growth for bushier plants. Shearing it as a hedge cuts flowering, so let it bloom on new growth.
Problems to watch. Mites sometimes appear; treat with Insecticidal Soap following the label. Caterpillars occasionally chew leaves.
Good to know. Butterflies and hummingbirds visit the flowers. Freezes kill it back.
Sources: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Pentas · UF/IFAS EDIS FPS465: Pentas lanceolata, Pentas
