Overview
Pentas is a warm-climate flowering perennial from tropical Africa. Clusters of red, pink, lavender, or white star-shaped flowers appear through much of the warm season and draw butterflies and hummingbirds. It performs reliably in Tampa beds when sun, drainage, and irrigation are balanced.
Mature Size and Habit
Most landscape selections grow 1 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide. Dwarf cultivars form compact mounds, while traditional forms become upright and loosely branched. Read the cultivar label before spacing because mature size varies greatly.
Best Landscape Uses
Use in pollinator gardens, colorful foundation beds, containers, mixed perennial borders, or repeated masses near patios. Place taller selections behind lower edging plants. Keep the foliage clear of walls and dense neighboring shrubs so air circulates after rain.
Sunlight, Soil, Drainage, and Irrigation
Full sun through light partial shade works well. Strong sun supports dense flowering, while afternoon shade reduces heat stress in exposed beds. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil. Water consistently during establishment, then irrigate deeply when the upper soil begins to dry. Constant wetness encourages root and foliar disease.
Best Planting Season for Tampa
Plant in spring after serious cold risk passes. Installation from spring through early summer gives roots time to develop before peak heat. Pentas also establish during Tampa's warm fall weather when sufficient time remains before a freeze. Avoid planting waterlogged beds during the rainy season.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pinch young tips to encourage branching. Remove spent clusters when a cleaner appearance is desired and cut leggy stems back selectively during warm weather. Replace or rejuvenate plants when woody centers and sparse growth reduce quality. Monitor mites, caterpillars, and leaf spots.
Wildlife Value
Long-tubed flowers supply nectar for butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators. Red and pink selections are especially visible to hummingbirds. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticide use on plants intended for pollinators.
Toxicity, Thorns, Roots, and Invasive Concerns
Pentas has no thorns, develops a compact fibrous root system, and is not considered invasive in Florida. It is not widely recognized as a serious toxicity hazard, though ornamental plants should remain out of reach of pets or children prone to chewing. Plants can die back after freezes but often recover from protected crowns. Learn more from UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions.
Local Delivery
Local delivery only in approved South Tampa ZIP codes. $600.00 minimum plant order. $100.00 flat delivery fee. Ecoscape will contact you to schedule delivery.