Pentas Grafic Mix

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Rubiaceae

Order

Gentianales

Genus

Pentas

Species

lanceolata

Description

Ornamental herbaceous plant grown mainly as an annual. Its compact habitus and prolonged flowering, which manifests itself in dense corymb-shaped terminal inflorescences bearing star-shaped flowers that are well liked by useful pollinating insects such as bees, give it a primary role both in the garden, in flower beds, and on balconies and terraces. It prefers a warm climate and well-draining soil kept regularly moist but free of waterlogging.

Variety description

Pentas is a very heat-resistant plant, has an excellent and persistent flowering throughout the summer and the series has a wide range of colours.

Curiosities and special features

The generic name derives from the Greek pénte meaning five in relation to the number of petals on the flower, while the specific epithet derives from the Latin lanceola meaning lance-shaped in reference to the morphology of the leaf blade.

Origin and distribution

A species native to the seasonally dry tropical biome of the range extending from Ethiopia to Mozambique, the Comoros and the Arabian Peninsula; it was introduced to Europe in the mid-19th century for ornamental use.

Flower size

The flower is individually small, lending elegance to the inflorescence in which it is grouped.

Leaf

The leaves have an oblong lamina, often with a pubescent underside.

Flowering period

It flowers from mid-spring to early autumn for a duration of 90 to 120 days, providing a highly ornamental accent to your green spaces for a long time.

Inflorescence

Terminal, compactumbrella inflorescence consisting of several flowers.

Leaf colour

Solid-coloured, in perfect colour harmony with the shade of the inflorescences.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.25 to 0.4 m, suitable both for creating uniform and homogenous compositions and in combination with other ornamentals of different bearing and development.

Lifespan

Ornamental herb cultivated as a seasonal.

Where to plant

Versatile, due to its developed habit and elegant blooms, it is suitable for adding colour and refinement to flowerbeds, planters and outdoor tubs.

Stem

The stems are herbaceous, often pubescent; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, small in size, with a funnel-shaped corolla and plain petals. It is arranged in medium-sized umbel inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 90 and 120 days. It is attractive to beetles, butterflies and bees.

Growth

Compact growing variety, ideal for formally proportionate results.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is erect, visually reinforced by the dense and compact inflorescences.

Branching

It develops Medium branching.

PH

Requires a soil or substrate pH of between 6.0 and 6.5. pH values below 5.5/6.0 can lead to an excess of Iron and Manganese with subsequent reduction in growth and poor flowering as well as necrosis and internerval chlorosis of the leaves.

Soil preparation

Before spring transplanting, carry out light digging, removing any previous crop residues, weeds and bulky stones. It is advisable to bury sand if the soil is heavy and poorly draining.

Sun exposure

Suitable for exposure in half shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 25 °C. The vital temperature is between 10 and 40 °C. Pentas lanceolata, if watered appropriately, is very resistant to summer heat and is well suited for planting in flowerbeds or tubs where it can remain in direct sunlight.

Use

Its long flowering and resistance to heat give it a primary role among ornamental grasses in:

Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

Variety of medium hardiness.

Soil

It requires light soil as it fears waterlogging with subsequent root asphyxia. For use in planters or tubs, a high-quality substrate specifically for ornamental plants, based on peat and perlite, is recommended.

Difficulty

Cultivation is fairly easy with a low level of management effort.

Growing tips

Here are specific aspects and cultivation conditions to achieve better vegetative growth and conspicuous flowering:

At least 10 hours of daylight Avoid over-watering Keep the substrate moist at all times Prefers warm and humid climate

Planting

For transplanting into beds we recommend an average density of 10 plants per square metre in order to allow each specimen to develop properly, thus achieving a proportionate composition and visually compact and uniform final effects. We suggest placing each seedling with the collar off the soil surface, burying the lump completely and taking care not to damage the roots; water immediately after planting.

Propagation

Reproduction is by sowing or from cuttings.

Watering

Use rainwater, alternatively from the aqueduct or temperate irrigation channel, by hand watering or with an irrigation system. Irrigate immediately after transplanting, allowing the soil to settle around the lump. Thereafter always keep the soil or substrate moist between irrigation but prevent waterlogging to which Pentas lanceolata is very sensitive by reacting with root asphyxia and chlorosis of the young leaves. In addition, severe water stress causes stunted vegetation and possible mite attacks.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

Following proper establishment in the new planting site, carry out regular fertilisation during the spring-summer period by applying a specific fertiliser for ornamental plants directly to the soil or substrate, localised at the foot of the plant, to be diluted in the irrigation water according to the doses and frequencies in proportion to the plant's needs. Poor fertilisation leads to leaf yellowing of Pentas lanceolata.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Tip

Severe water stress causes stunted vegetation. And possible mite attacks. If poorly fertilised, it tends to yellow easily. Does not like poorly draining soil.