The individual flowers of Pentas (Pentas lanceolata) are clustered together in umbels. Hummingbirds can visit many flowers on one plant at a time.
Ginger E. Long, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Every spring, I visit local garden centers, searching for colorful flowers that attract hummingbirds. I like to combine these flowers in containers and place them where I can watch hummingbirds visit them. One flower I have found that hummingbirds visit frequently is Pentas (Pentas lanceolata) or Egyptian star flowers. They have brightly colored tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and lavender.
Pentas bloom throughout our hot summers and are a nectar source for Ruby-throated hummingbirds. Hummingbirds feed every 10 minutes throughout the day and need many sources of nectar from spring through fall. They prefer tubular flowers, like Pentas, and use their long tongues to reach the nectar. Red, orange, or pink flowers tend to be the most visited by hummingbirds.
A female ruby-throated hummingbird rests on a stalk of grass. She feeds her young both nectar and insects.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Pentas are cold hardy in USDA planting zones 9 to 11. In South Carolina, they are considered annuals. I have had success wintering them over in pots in my unheated garage in zone 8A in the Upstate.
Plant pentas in sun to part shade. Like most annuals, they prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Water them regularly until they get established then water them as needed. Fertilize them once a month with an all-purpose, slow-release granular fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer.
Pentas can be found in many heights, from 12 to 24 inches tall. Lucky Star®, BeeBright™, and Graffiti® are shorter varieties. Kaleidoscope and Butterfly™ are taller. Pentas can be started from seed or bought in packs or pots at nurseries and garden centers.
Bees and butterflies also visit Pentas for nectar throughout the summer. They are a favored nectar source for Tiger Swallowtail butterflies.
Ginger E. Long, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
For more information on growing annuals that attract hummingbirds, see HGIC 1152, Growing Annuals.
For more information on Ruby-throated hummingbirds, see the article Do You Love Hummingbirds?
