When you think of bright flowers bursting out from green foliage, green blooms probably aren’t the first things that come to mind. And for good reason—these green flowers are quite rare! The oddity of green flowers and their link to nature and serenity can make these flowers a great addition to any bouquet or garden.
Why Flowers Have Different Colors
You’ve seen royal purple flowers, bright red flowers, subdued blue flowers, and maybe even some evasive green flowers. But have you thought about the why behind the flowers’ colors? While many flowers started out dull in color, their hues shifted and colors brightened as they sought to appeal to pollinators in their area. If these plants could attract more bees, butterflies, flies, and other pollinators, they were more likely to keep their populations humming into the future.
So there’s the why, but what about the answer to where do flowers get their color? Numerous plant compounds—think anthocyanins, flavonoids, carotenoids—combine to form each flower’s unique color. The presence and ratios of these compounds have been influenced over time through natural selection as well as human-directed plant breeding. Even after a plant’s genetics are set, flower color may be influenced by environmental factors including soil pH and sunlight.
Types of Green Flowers
Now onto the part you’ve been waiting for…a list of green flowers! While it takes a bit more work to find green blooms than it does to land upon red or yellow flowers, we’ve rounded up this list to save you some of the trouble.
Hydrangea (Hydrangea genus)
Hydrangeas, also known as snowball bushes, are medium to large perennial bushes that produce large clusters of flowers. These flowers come in a variety of colors, including bright green. While the soil pH will impact the flower color of blue and pink hydrangeas, the green variety has lime-colored blooms regardless of pH.
Growing zone: 3-9, depending on the variety
Soil: prefer rich and well-drained
Sun: full or partial
Water: consistently moist soil, water well to reach deep roots
Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis)
This annual flower’s tall stalks covered in green, bell-shaped blooms stand out both in the garden and vase. While the plant’s true flowers are tiny and white, the green calyxes appear like showy blooms. And while it’s reasonable to assume this plant is from Ireland, it actually hails from Western Asia.
Growing zone: 2-10
Soil: moist and well-drained
Sun: full or partial
Water: prefer moist soil
Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
Carnations come in just about every color, including green! Even if you’ve seen green carnations in flower arrangements, you may never have considered growing these annual flowers at home. Once you do you’ll see how they easily add height to the garden and provide you with a long-lasting cut flower.
Growing zone: 3-9
Soil: well-drained and fertile
Sun: full or partial, at least four hours per day
Water: keep the soil consistently moist, can tolerate light drought
Hellebore (Helleborus viridis)
Also known as a lenten rose, the hellebore is one of the first flowers to bloom each spring.—you may even see them bursting out from the snow in colder areas! The plant is a perennial with beautiful evergreen foliage and five-petaled flowers that droop gently downward. This species has light green petals coupled with yellow stamens.
Growing zone: 3-9
Soil: rich and well-draining
Sun: full sun to full shade; avoid direct afternoon sun
Water: keep consistently moist
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum genus)
Also known as mums, chrysanthemums add beauty to autumn porches and bring layers of petals to bouquets. Their flowers come in a wide variety of sizes and the petals can be short and stout or long and wispy. Most green chrysanthemums are bright yellow-green or a more subdued light green. Depending on the area where you live, you can grow green chrysanthemums as annuals or perennials.
Growing zone: 3-9, depending on the variety
Soil: rich and well-drained
Sun: full sun
Water: keep the soil moist and avoid periods of drought
Zinnia (Zinnia genus)
As one of the easiest flowers to plant and care for, the zinnia belongs in just about every flower garden—just sprinkle the seeds and watch them grow! Zinnia flowers come in various sizes and colors, including multiple shades of light green. Look for both single-bloom and double-bloom varieties to add a mixture to your garden and bouquets.
Growing zone: 3-10
Soil: prefer rich and well-draining, but can tolerate poorer soil
Sun: full sun
Water: prefer moist soil, but can handle light drought
Gladiolus (Gladiolus genus)
Gladioli, also known as glads or sword lilies, bring a smile to just about everyone’s face. Their tall spikes are covered in large, trumpet-shaped blooms that open over a period of a few weeks. Another fun thing about these flowers is how they’re planted. Instead of planting a seed or bulb, you’ll plant a swollen plant stem known as a corm.
Growing zone: 5-10 depending on the variety
Soil: well-draining, glads do not tolerate sitting in water
Sun: full sun
Water: water regularly to keep soil moist
Celosia (Celosia genus)
There are two main types of celosia: the feathery, upright plums and the brain-like cockscomb. The good news is that both types offer green flowers! Both varieties are easy to grow as garden annuals, and they work well in a variety of flower arrangements. Try using the plume varieties in elegant arrangements and add the cockscomb for a whimsical touch!
Growing zone: 3-11
Soil: prefer rich soil but are not too picky
Sun: full sun
Water: water regularly but avoid saturated soils
Tobacco Flower (Nicotiana alata)
While these plants are in the same genus as the well-known tobacco plant, they are prized for their beautiful flowers rather than leaves. The flowers can come in a variety of colors, including light green. Plus, they’re stunning in shape! Long tubes give way to fine-petaled flowers.
Growing zone: perennial in 9-10, annual in 3-8
Soil: rich and well-drained
Sun: full or part sun
Water: water regularly to keep soil moist
Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides)
The wood spurge looks like it belongs in a Dr. Seuss book, with its whimsical round ‘flowers’ set atop a long stem. These ‘flowers’ are actually leaf-like structures that enclose the true flowers. And since it has beautiful foliage, wood spurge works well in the garden even when it’s not flowering.
Growing zone: 4-9
Soil: well-drained
Sun: full or part sun
Water: keep soil slightly dry
Flowers to Pair with Green Flowers
While green flowers are stunning, pairing them with other colors really makes all the colors pop. If you need a few ideas for creating the perfect birthday flowers, tabletop arrangements, or ‘just because’ flowers, check out these suggestions.
- Green mums, white roses, white baby’s breath
- Green hydrangea, white hydrangea, eucalyptus
- Bells of Ireland, white calla lilies, hypericum berries, eucalyptus
With a list of green flowers and these pairing suggestions in hand, you’re ready to add some green blooms to your home and garden!
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