Landscape Uses
Style Tags
South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Water deeply 2–3 times per week during establishment, then reduce to weekly once roots are established.
Regular watering needed — not drought tolerant but not high water demand. Water 2-3x per week year-round in South Florida. Avoid overwatering in poorly drained soils — root rot in standing water. Consistent moisture maintains best bloom production and plant vigor.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: Balanced slow-release fertilizer or flowering plant formula
Schedule: February and September. Balanced slow-release fertilizer.
Salt Tolerance
- Mature Height
- 2–4 ft
- Mature Width
- 2–3 ft
- Growth Rate
- fast
- Water Demand
- 4/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida
- Installed Cost
- $
- USDA Zones
- 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 4/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Pentas at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Pentas grow in South Florida?
Pentas has a fast growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Pentas safe for pets?
Yes, Pentas is considered pet-safe. Non-toxic to dogs and cats. Confirmed safe by ASPCA. One of the top pet-safe flowering shrubs for South Florida.
How much water does Pentas need in South Florida?
Moderate water needs (4/10). Water deeply 2–3 times per week during establishment, then reduce to weekly once roots are established.
Can Pentas tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Pentas has moderate salt tolerance (4/10). It can handle some coastal exposure but should be protected from direct ocean spray.
Is Pentas available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Pentas is classified as: allowed. Allowed.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Allowed. Not on prohibited list.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Allowed. Standard HOA flowering shrub.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Allowed. Behaves as perennial in southern Palm Beach (Boca Raton, Delray).
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Allowed. Very popular in Naples and Collier County residential landscapes.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Allowed. Good for Monroe County inland and protected locations.
USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.
View County Guide →Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.
Need a Spec Sheet?
Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.
Ask about Pentas
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.