pentas flower meaning

Pentas Flower Meaning: The Complete Guide

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Have you ever looked closely at a pentas flower? You may have already seen one without realizing it – but do you know the pentas flower meaning?

Pentas plants grow in damp, shady areas and are often found on the edge of forests. The five petals represent faith, hope, charity, justice and peace.

These semitropical shrubs thrive in well drained soil and have a long growing season. There are several types to choose from – Graffiti Red Lace is a popular favorite! – and have deep symbolism in places like East Africa and Greece.

Pentas flowers are common plants that grow in warmer climates throughout the world. The pentas flower’s meaning is complex, but these plants are often associated with love and death.

Ready to learn more about what each of the vibrant colors of this plant mean? Let’s take a closer look!

What Does Pentas Mean? 

Pentas plants mean simply “five.”

However, the symbolism for the pentas plant, also known as the star flower, goes beyond that.

Pentas is a large genus of flowering plants that can be found in shades of white, red, purple, and pink. They attract hummingbirds and pollinators and require minimal care.  The plant is known to attract butterflies as well, particularly when grown in direct sunlight.

The etymological meaning of “pentas” is quite simple. These flowers have five petals, and “penta” refers to the prefix meaning “five.” Pentas lanceolata is the full name of the plant.

What Does the Pentas Plant Symbolize? 

In Ancient Greece, pentas plants symbolized chastity. In modern times, the pentagon shape is also symbolic of love and protection in many cultures around the world.

Pentas flowers are also a symbol of peace. The pentacle is the five-pointed star that has been used for centuries in many cultures to represent protection and balance, so the pentas is often seen as a talisman of sorts against evil spirits, demons, hexes or spells.

In some cultures, pentas blooms represent good luck or fortune due to their five petals resembling gold coins. The star flower can also symbolize the 5th wedding anniversary celebration, as well as the fifth day of creation when God created all things living and inanimate.

These star shaped flowers have pretty significant cultural significance as well, which we’ll explore later in this post.

What Does a White Pentas Flower Mean?

Pentas flowers are a symbol of peace in many cultures. Many people see the white pentas as a sign of purity and hope, often given to someone who is sick or grieving. It is also said that if you give this flower to someone with cancer it will help them during their treatment.

What Does a Purple Pentas Flower Symbolize?

One of the most popular colors is purple, which is often used as a symbol for royalty or nobility. In fact, it’s been said that if you give someone a purple pentas, they’ll know you’re trying to tell them how much you admire and respect them!

What Does a Red Pentas Flower Mean?

Red is the color of love, which means that a red pentas symbolizes deep feelings of affection between two people. The shape of a pentas also hints at its romantic undertones-pentagon petals represent unity and five points stand for faithfulness.

What Does a Pink Pentas Flower Symbolize?

The meaning of a pink pentas flower is beauty, but it also represents love and affection. When given as a gift, the symbolism of this flower is that it’s the giver who wants to be loved by the receiver. The pink color also represents a time of peace and serenity for many people.

What is the Cultural Significance of a Pentas Flower?

Pentas flowers are a plant that is native to Africa and Asia. The flower has been used in herbal medicine for centuries, dating back to ancient Egyptian times. It was said that the pentas could ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

Today, people still use it as an ingredient in potions and talismans to improve their health or find love. Its uses vary from treating anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, depression, headaches and migraines to warding off epilepsy attacks among other benefits.

What is the Symbolism of a Pentas Tattoo?

A pentas flower tattoo is a religious symbol of the five wounds of Christ.

The flowers represent the marks on Jesus’s head, hands, and feet. Pentas also represents hope for Christians because it blooms in winter in some places, when there are no other plants around to give life.

When Should You Give Someone a Pentas Flower?

A pentas flower is traditionally given to someone who has lost their mate. The flowers bring comfort and can help with the grieving process. It’s common for the person receiving the flowers to be sitting in the funeral or wake service, and they will receive them from visitors as a gesture of sympathy and support.

The dying person’s family often gives them pentas as they are dying so that they will have something beautiful to look at in the afterlife, but it is not required for anyone else to do this. 

They could also be given to someone if they’re feeling down or sick and need some encouragement in order to get back on their feet. They can also be used for protection against bad luck, as well as during rituals.

And if you’re thinking about growing the pentas plant? The good news is that Pentas lanceolata is a fairly easy plant to grow. These house plants like consistently moist soil and partial shade.

Though they can occasionally fall victim to pests and diseases like spider mites and root rot, you can choose a pentas cultivar with more pest or disease resistance to reduce the likelihood of that. Try to avoid overhead watering and fertilize these star shaped blooms often.

This sprawling plant is absolutely gorgeous and it isn’t too difficult to keep the plant healthy. And now that you know the pentas flower’s meaning, there’s no reason not to include it in your collection of garden beds!

*image by simonapavan/depositphotos

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