Egyptian Star Cluster of Manhattan, 2

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Egyptian Star Cluster, also known as the Star Flower, Pentas lanceolata.

Photographed on Manhattan's Upper West Side
near the corner of West 81st street and Central Park West.

Image: GrrlScientist, 11 June 2009 [larger view].

Pentas lanceolata, is native to Northeastern Africa mostly to Egypt, hence its name, the Egyptian Star Cluster. This popular and hardy little evergreen perennial does best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil, and its tubular flowers are especially attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.

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A few yrs ago I grew them on the back deck on Md's Eastern Shore throughout the summer in large urns. Profuse purple flowers that drew numerous hummingbirds all summer long. What a delightful perenial! Haven't found them again in a greenhouse. Still looking.