Protea

    Protea' native is Australia and South Africa, but can be found in Central Africa.
    There are between 1,400-1,600 varieties of this flower that include wide varieties of forms, sizes and colors.
    Some know as fynbos or sugar bushes.
Family: Proteaceae

Meaning of  Protea

    Its meaning depends of circumstances and relationships. Yet there are common meanings of protea flower;

1. Diversity
2. Daring
3. Transformation
4. Courage
5. Symbol of longevity
6. Resilience
7. Change
8. Beauty
9. Ingenuity

Symbolism of Protea

   The protea flower symbolizes "change" and "transformation".
   The beautiful and exotic protea flower is a symbol of curiosity and change. It brings the meaning of explore your dreams and wishes and changes in your journey with the curiosity and wonder of a child.
    This flower works with the third eye chakra.

Symbolism in cultures:

• South Africa; The king protea flower is the national flower of South Africa. Its colorful petals look like a crown that named the flower.

• Greeks; Proteus, son of the Greek God Poseidon; he was not the one share his thoughts and knowledge. It seems Proteus preferred to while away the day sleeping in the summer sun. To avoid detection, he changed his appearance and shape frequently. The protea flower was named after Proteus due its many shapes and colors.

    Proteas are named after Proteus, son of Poseidon and shape-shifter, highlighting the variety of plants found within the large proteaceae family.
    King Protea (Protea cynaroides L.) resembles a crown and symbolizes beauty and resilience. King Protea has yellow and red flowers with pink outer tips.
    One type of protea "Little Prince" and another type of protea is called "Special Pink Ice".
    Leucospermums are also called pin-cushion proteas because their flowers curve upwards.
    Serrurias protea "Blushing Bride", produces gorgeous creamy flowers, and "Pretty in Pink", the flowers are resemble pink-cheeked bridesmaids.

Meaning of  Protea By Colors

    There are no specific meanings assigned to the colors of protea flowers, but you can tailor a message by using the traditional color meaning of flowers.

• White; Purity, Honesty, Integrity
• Red; Love, Passion
• Yellow; Friendship, Compassion, Trust
• Pink; Femininity, Motherly Love, Compassion
• Orange; Cheerfulness, Happiness, Joy, Possibilities
• Green; Harmony, Good Fortune
• Purple; Royalty, Mystery, Charm,  Grace
• Blue; Peace, Serenity

Types of Protea

    True Proteas: The true proteas are from the Protea genus. Instead of petals, they have bright pink bracts or leaf-like around tiny tubes. While the king proteas have petal-like bracts, the queen proteas have a more delicate, goblet-shaped appearance.
    Pincushion Proteas: The pincushion protea looks like exploding fireworks. Its botanical name L. cordifolium is derived from Greek, which translates to white seed and heart shaped blooms. This exotic flower comes in red, orange and pale brownish yellow color.
    Blushing Bride: This variety of the Serruria genus boasts star-shaped flowers with pale pink eyes and ivory white petals.

Grow and Care

• Planting; it needs air circulation, full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid letting water sit on the soil, because the roots can rot; likely causing the plant to die. Avoid planting proteas in particularly humid zones.
• For potting: Mix even parts peat, gravel, and sand. They do well in nutrient-poor soil.
• Watering; needs regular watering habits; every 2 or 3 weeks. If plant is a year old then water once a week.
• Fertilization; generally Protea does not need fertilizer. Too much phosphorus can kill it, because the roots are shallow. Applying mulch helps to grow the plant.
• Pruning; Harvesting the flowers helps keep the plant regular. Remove finished heads with the most of stem. This allows new growth. Be aware of not to prune unflowered stems; they are next season's blooms.