Want to go green? Why not grow green in the garden? Not just plants with green leaves, but green flowering plants. New hybrids are available which can actually give the garden shades of lime, apple and emerald blooms for all seasons.
Many Green Flowering Plants Bloom in Spring
Plant the Iris hybrid Pride of Ireland. for a subtle shade of the softest green. An assortment of tulips with green stripes is available for companionable pairings. The variety Greenland has a deep pink background with swirls of green throughout. Combine with Asiatic Lilly Stargazer for an eye-catching display.
Spring Green is a white version, with the same distinct emerald markings as the Greenland hybrid. White tulips or Asiatic lilies may accompany these for a pure, subdued showing in early spring.
Green Goddess Calla lilies have a striking border of green with white centers in variegated patterns. This specimen grows with ease. Favored by florists, these blooms make an excellent focal point in cut flower arrangements.
Plant spring flowering bulbs in the fall or early winter to a depth of three times the bulb height. Cover with 2 inches of seedless mulch or compost to snuggle them in for the winter.
Green Flowers Are Not Limited to Bulbs
Consider adding a new form of primrose, edged in green with a lacy effect. Francesca is one of the earliest bloomers of the Primula family. This hybrid reportedly flowers from mid-spring through mid-summer, given optimum growing conditions. (Full sun in northern zones and part shade in the south; plant in a rich, fertile soil).
The fall planted peony Green Halo has green, ruffled edges and a cream-colored center when in full bloom. Again, one of the earliest bloomers of the family, Green Halo emits a burst of fragrance with its blossoms. Green Lotus, a double-blooming peony, changes from a pink bud in spring to a spectacular shade of lime with hints of red in the pistils.
Peonies can be purchased as a root. Peonies Plus offers a variety of the bushy, sometimes fragrant cultivar. Located in Washington State, their varieties ship in fall. Peonies can be challenging to grow in southern gardening zones, but Garden Web members say planting in filtered light and allowing only morning sun improves chances of success.
Green Flowers Bloom in Summer Too
Green summer blooms include the Coconut Lime, Green Jewel and Green Envy varieties of Echinacea. Soft shades of pale green adorn these blossoms and may be combined with a coordinating or contrasting color for summer showings.
Lime Green Coleus can compliment existing red flowers. Its mottled and lacy demeanor includes brilliant splashes of red. Use in sunny or shady areas.
Green Star Gladioli are another stunning addition. Clematis Vienetta is a summer hardy beauty with a deep purple center whose leaves turn a pale shade of green as autumn nears. Train on a trellis and pair with low-growing purple Shamrock to bring out the purple hue. Green blooming sedum Autumn Charm blooms and changes to pink before the first frost
So go green! Using some or all of these green-flowering plants can create a unique garden that will be the envy of the neighborhood.
Becca Badgett - Freelance writer/editor with newspaper and public relations background.Gardening enthusiast in zone 7, (NC) .Professional experience ...
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