Plants in genus pentas
Plants in genus pentas
Pentas lanceolata
Pentas lanceolata, also known as Petiopenta, is a winter-dormant climbing plant native to East Africa and Yemen. It features shiny leaves and star-shaped flowers that bloom in early summer, with colors ranging from red and pink to white and lilac. This fast-growing plant can reach up to 6 feet tall and thrives in well-drained soil with frequent watering during the summer. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in zones 9b to 11, but cannot tolerate temperatures below 39.2°F. The plant is known for its tuberous rootstock and is propagated by seeds or cuttings. Its leaves and stems are covered with fine hairs, adding to its unique appearance.