Pentas
Pentas lanceolata
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Sep 24, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Pentas
Pentas (Pentas lanceolata) is a tropical perennial that blooms nearly year-round in zone 9b, producing dense clusters of star-shaped flowers in red, pink, white, and lavender. Ranked #1 among Florida nectar plants for butterfly visits (UF/IFAS), it is an outstanding pollinator plant for sunny beds and containers and is reliably perennial in Northeast Florida. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
- Flower Color
- White, Red, Pink
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Grows best in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light daily; tolerates light shade with slightly reduced bloom. Full sun produces the most prolific flowering and most vigorous growth.
Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then water deeply once a week during dry spells. Avoid overwatering and never wet foliage — water at the base to prevent fungal issues.
Tolerates a wide range of well-drained soils, including Florida's sandy soils. Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced slow-release fertilizer to sustain continuous bloom. Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage reblooming.
Similar needs
African Iris
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Agapanthus
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Aster
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Atamasco Lily
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Blazing Star
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Blue Mistflower
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Pentas a good plant for St. Augustine?
Pentas is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 3-4 feet × 18-24 inches.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.