I am all for star flowers this summer, and pentas flowers are the perfect example – not only are these stunning plants easy to take care of, they’re also hummingbirds’ favorites and perfect for containers and garden beds.
Pentas can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11, but can also grow as annuals in cooler climates. Start them indoors or immediately plant them outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.
Now, keeping these star performers blooming all season long takes a bit of finesse, but don’t worry ‘cause I’m here to spill the beans on how to make sure your pentas shine brighter than the summer sun.
We’re talking deadheading and pruning strategies that even the most reluctant gardener can handle.
However…
It All Comes Down To Fertilizing Correctly
You know, with the right care and loving, these flowering annuals will last you all summer long!
Caring for pentas flowers means giving them the right amount of fertilizer. How often you need to feed them depends on the type, but I recommend using a balanced liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks to keep the blooms looking great.
It’s tempting to fertilize more often when you see good results, but overdoing it can actually harm your plants.
Excess nutrients build up in the soil, burning the roots and affecting water absorption, which can stunt growth and cause blooms to drop (and let’s be honest, no one wants droopy flowers).
If you notice a white, crusty layer on the soil, it’s a sign you’re using too much fertilizer. When you see this, it’s time to ease up on that plant food!
Related: 7 Flowers That Can Bloom Year Round
But Don’t Forget To Deadhead And Prune Your Pentas Flowers
Fertilization is not all you have to think about. When growing pentas flowers, deadheading and pruning are a must if you want those flowers to keep on blooming longer.
And don’t worry, these are pretty easy to handle.
Whenever and whatever you are deadheading or pruning, always make sure to use a clean and sharp pair of pruning shears (or scissor, if you use those). Snip right below the wilted bloom and above the foliage.
If the stem looks dead, go ahead and remove that too. Pruning is key to keeping your pentas blooming marvelously all season. If your plants seem crowded, thin out some branches to improve air circulation.
Also trim any long and woody areas (especially if you’re growing them as perennials).
Pruning in winter or spring will result in bushier plants with even more flowers the next year. However, if you’re growing pentas as annuals, don’t forget to dig them up and place them in a sunny indoor spot to survive the winter.
Trust me, my sister forgot to bring her pentas indoors and they sadly froze – a lesson she won’t forget!
Pentas are one of those flowering plants that everybody adores. Give them just enough plant food and they’ll reward you with an abundance of flowers.
PS. Don’t forget to trim away those faded blooms so the new ones can come in their place!
Also read: 19 Beautiful Annual Flower Bed Combinations For A Show Stopping Flower Display