Pentas Ruby Red

Description: The Pentas 'Ruby Red' is prized for its striking, deep red flowers that bloom profusely throughout the warm months of the year. The flowers are arranged in dense clusters atop sturdy stems, creating a showy display of color. Each flower features five petals arranged in a star-like shape, giving Pentas its common name, "Egyptian Star Cluster." The glossy, dark green foliage provides an attractive backdrop to the vibrant blooms, creating a lush and colorful appearance.

Size: 'Ruby Red' Pentas plants are typically medium-sized shrubs, reaching heights of 1 to 3 feet (0.3 to 0.9 meters) and spreads of 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 meters) at maturity. However, the size of individual plants may vary depending on growing conditions, pruning, and care. With its compact, bushy growth habit, 'Ruby Red' Pentas forms a dense and rounded shrub that is well-suited to garden beds, borders, and containers.

Best Growing Zones: 'Ruby Red' Pentas is native to tropical and subtropical regions and thrives in warm, humid climates. It is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 through 11, where temperatures rarely drop below 30°F (-1°C). In cooler climates, 'Ruby Red' Pentas can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors. It prefers full sun to partial shade and requires protection from strong winds and frost.

Soil and Sun Requirements: 'Ruby Red' Pentas prefers well-drained, fertile soil with good moisture retention. It thrives in full sun, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Adequate sunlight is essential for promoting vigorous growth and abundant flowering. 'Ruby Red' Pentas can tolerate partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day, but prolonged shade may reduce flowering and overall vigor.

Watering: 'Ruby Red' Pentas has moderate water needs and prefers evenly moist soil. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot and other problems. Mulching around the base of the plant can help conserve soil moisture and regulate soil temperature, especially during hot and dry periods.

Maintenance: 'Ruby Red' Pentas is relatively low-maintenance and requires minimal care to thrive. Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape and size, removing any dead, damaged, or leggy growth. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season. Fertilize 'Ruby Red' Pentas with a balanced fertilizer in spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering.