Pentas

Pentas lanceolata

Also called Egyptian star clusters, this versatile annual does well in sun or part shade. For very bright shade, pentas are an excellent choice. These summer bloomers come in a variety of shades, including lavender, red, cherry red, pinks and white. The new Butterfly series is a more compact plant.

But all pentas attract butterflies, hummingbirds and bees to their nectar.

They want good well-drained soil. Pinch back to promote flowering. Some years they may make it through winter in a protected spot, but generally we treat them as annuals to feed the wildlife through the summer and the fall migrations.