Occasionally I spot a plant that I think is going to be popular in the years to come. Pentas are now appearing as pot plants and I think they will be popular as showy annuals in 2012 and the near future.
American breeders are going to help the introduction to the UK with a wide range of colours and varieties to choose from.

What are Pentas

• Pentas are African in origin and are best treated as annuals in the UK although they may be perennial in the right conditions.
• Pentas have dark green, lance-shaped, furry veined leaves as shown above.
• Plants can grow up to 3 feet high and wide but new F1 seeds are more compact.
• The prolific clusters of five-petaled star shaped flowers bloom all summer.
• Flowers are available in red, white, lavender, purple, and shades of pink.
• Pentas can be grown in Containers,Beds & Borders, or as Groundcover.

Attraction of Pentas

• Pentas will flourish in high heat/humidity.
• Butterflies are very attracted to the Pentas flower and combine well with Buddleia
• The flowers grow on terminal clusters and self-deadhead.
• Pentas can be produced in 12-13 weeks from seed.
• Full sized Pentas are often sprawling, as tall stems will topple over.