Pentas lanceolata ‘Lucky Star Lipstick’
Overview
Uses: pollinator gardens, sunny borders, patio containers, mixed annual beds, mass plantings, tropical-themed landscapes
Benefits: vivid red star-shaped blooms with a bright eye, compact and well-branched habit, continuous flowering in heat, reliable performance in full sun
USDA Hardiness Zones: 10–11 (grown as an annual in colder climates)
Sun: Full Sun
Life Cycle: Annual (Tender Perennial in Zones 10–11)
Mature Height: 12–16 inches
Mature Width: 12–14 inches
Bloom Season: Late spring through frost
Growth Rate: Fast
Summary
Bright clusters of lipstick-red blooms bring lasting color and steady pollinator activity to sunny garden spaces. Pentas ‘Lucky Star Lipstick’ is bred for compact growth, strong branching, and nonstop summer performance. Each flower cluster is made up of dozens of small, star-shaped blooms that hold their color well even during periods of heat and humidity. The plant maintains a neat, rounded shape without becoming leggy, making it especially well-suited for containers, borders, and mass plantings where consistent structure matters. Butterflies and other pollinators are frequently drawn to the nectar-rich flowers, adding movement and life to patios and garden beds. In frost-free climates, it may behave as a tender perennial, while in most regions it performs as a dependable warm-season annual.
Care
Pentas ‘Lucky Star Lipstick’ Care
Pentas performs best in full sun, where it will produce the strongest flowering and most compact growth. In very hot climates, a small amount of afternoon shade can help reduce stress, but consistent sunlight is ideal. Plant in well-drained soil. Pentas prefers evenly moist conditions during establishment, but once established it can tolerate short dry periods. Avoid overly saturated soils, as prolonged wet conditions may reduce vigor. A light application of a balanced slow release fertilizer at planting time will support steady growth and flowering throughout the season. Additional feeding is typically not necessary unless grown in containers, where nutrients leach more quickly. Deadheading is not strictly required, but removing spent flower clusters can help maintain a tidy appearance and encourage continued blooming.
Size
What Size is Pentas ‘Lucky Star Lipstick’ for Sale Online?
Plants are sold in grower pots and are actively growing at the time of shipment. Size and fullness will vary depending on the season, but each plant is well-rooted and established. If you have specific questions about current size or stage of growth, please contact us before placing your order.
How Large Does Pentas ‘Lucky Star Lipstick’ Grow?
At maturity, this variety typically reaches 12 to 16 inches tall and spreads 12 to 14 inches wide, forming a compact, rounded mound covered in bloom during the growing season.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
Pentas lanceolata is commonly known as Egyptian starcluster and is often referred to simply as pentas.
Is Pentas ‘Lucky Star Lipstick’ good for pollinators?
Yes. The nectar-rich, star-shaped flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators, especially in warm, sunny conditions. It is frequently included in pollinator-friendly garden designs for its long bloom season.
Can Pentas ‘Lucky Star Lipstick’ tolerate heat and humidity?
This variety performs well in summer heat and humidity when planted in well-drained soil and provided consistent sunlight. Regular watering during extended dry periods will help maintain peak flowering.
Is Pentas ‘Lucky Star Lipstick’ a perennial?
In USDA Zones 10–11, it may grow as a tender perennial. In colder regions, it is grown as a warm-season annual and will not survive freezing temperatures.
