The great outdoors is brimming with shades of green—from the deep green needles of pine trees to a field of Kelly green grass, as well as every green in between on shrubs and other plants. Look closely among this sea of greens, and you'll also find natural green flowers that pack a ton of visual punch to your garden and bouquets.
Some green flowers are by nature showstoppers, like heavenly 'Limelight' hydrangea bloom, chartreuse gladiolus, and 'Green ball' dianthus, with its fuzzy lime-colored spheres. Other green flowers are more quietly camouflaged into the landscape, like delicate downward-facing hellebores (Lenten roses) and lady's mantle, a favorite choice for flower borders.
Although nature's greens range from barely-there to forest green, green flowers tend to fall on the lighter and brighter side (think springy hues and bold chartreuse). Whatever shade, green flowers carry special meanings including renewal, good fortune, youth, and optimism. Plus, there's just something fresh and unexpected about a simple bouquet of naturally green flowers.
Don't have a green thumb? No problem! There are several low-maintenance annual flowers, perennial flowers and plants, and flowering shrubs ideal for gardens and containers. Before planting these 20 green flowers, check your hardiness and heat zone suggestions for maximum success. Your neighbors will be green with envy!
1
Bells of Ireland
Multiple cup-shaped blooms grow on a single stalk and have a thin papery texture. They provide height to flower arrangements and are nice as cut or dried flowers.
Plant type: Annual
2
Mediterranean Spurge
This compact evergreen shrub is low-maintenance thanks to its tough, drought-tolerant characteristics. Its bottom leaves are a darker green, while the bloom clusters up top are a bright neon hue.
Plant Type: Perennial shrub
3
Dianthus 'Green Ball'
If a flower could be the life of the party, the 'Sweet William' dianthus shown here would be just that! The soft and fuzzy round, lime-colored balls are a fun addition to beds and containers alike.
Plant Type: Perennial
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4
Calla Lily
Calla lilies, with their simple trumpet-shaped flowers, are available in an array of colors. Though white calla lilies, having starred in many a bridal bouquet, are perhaps the most popular, these light green blooms are a stunning addition to gardens (or in containers as houseplants).
Plant Type: Perennial but often grown as annual.
5
Carnation
A popular filler in multi-flower arrangements, carnations are most impressive when a full bouquet of a single color is amassed in a vase. Light-green carnations are especially fitting for a spring wedding (and less expensive than many other floral options).
Plant Type: Annual, biennial, and perennial varieties available.
6
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums, or mums for short, are available in a variety of shades and shapes, including bright green. From long-lasting button spray mums to the unique showstopper spider mum, mums are a mainstay in the florist industry.
Plant Type: Perennial and annual varieties available.
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7
co*ckscomb
With a shape reminiscent of ocean coral and a color like this strong chartreuse, a little green co*ckscomb goes a long way. These uniquely shaped blooms bring boldness to a garden or flower arrangement.
Plant Type: Perennial but often grown as annual.
8
Cymbidium Orchid
This type of orchid is really special. For starters, the tropical-like colors range from light to dark green and feature red, pink, white, or yellow centers. Cut stems can last several weeks, so they're ideal for bouquets.
Plant Type: Perennial
9
Dahlia
Available in a rainbow of colors, dahlias are true garden goddesses, like this lime-green version shown here. Blooms range in size from a couple inches wide to dinner plate size and really show off from midsummer through the fall.
Plant Type: Tender perennial
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10
Flowering Tobacco
Leafy, full-bodied green stalks create a foundation for small flowers up top. Dainty-looking blooms in a variety of colors (here chartreuse) are pretty, but they're also toxic. Keep animals and children away!
Plant Type: Tender perennial but often grown as an annual.
11
Gerbera Daisy
Arguably the most cheerful of flowers, these bright blooms are a crowd favorite. They are long-lasting as cut flowers and add loads of happy to a garden.
Plant Type: Perennials, tender perennials, or annuals, depending on zone.
12
Gladiolus
Tall and flashy gladiolus blooms are one of the most classic summertime flowers. Bright and saturated, like the electric green here, they add a punch of color to flower beds.
Plant Type: Perennial
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13
Hellebores
Hellebores, also known as Lenten roses, are super low-maintenance plants. Their quiet beauty is best noticed when viewing up close, or try snipping blooms to float in a bowl of water, as their pretty blooms grow downward-facing.
Plant Type: Perennial
14
Hydrangea
Is there anything dreamier than a full hedge of blooming hydrangea shrubs? Their pom-pom-like flower is simply a classic. It's best enjoyed as a bouquet of several blooms, but a single stem is equally fantastic. The 'Little Lime' variety shown here is a nice complement to classic white and blue hydrangeas.
Plant Type: Perennial shrub
15
Lady's Mantle
Lady's Mantle is a low-growing border plant with clusters of tiny yellow-greenish flowers. It looks best when multiple plants grow together as one large mass, and it plays nicely with many other garden plants.
Plant Type: Perennial
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16
Ranunculus
Ranunculus are wildly popular cut flowers with a hypnotizing rose-like construction. The green version shown here has a celery-like look to it that's fitting for an organic, freestyle-type arrangement.
Plant Type: Perennial but mostly grown as annual.
17
Rose
Roses are red... and green! Springy-green buds are a fresh take on typical rose colors.
Plant Type: Perennial
18
Tropical Lady's Slipper Orchid
Known for their pouch-like labellum that looks like, you guessed it, a lady's slipper, this type of orchid is great for beginner growers. It's easy to grow and the reward is big, long-lasting blooms. This monochromatic version shown here has a variegated top petal for extra interest.
Plant Type: Perennial
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19
Tulip
Dark green flames of this 'Formosa' tulip envelop yellow petals for an ultra luminous bloom. Beautiful in a cut arrangement, this variety is also known for its long bloom time.
Plant Type: Perennial but often grown as annual.
20
Zinnia
Known for their brilliantly-colored blooms, this lime-green zinnia is no exception to this flower's reputation. It's also low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.
Plant Type: Annual
Amy Mitchell
Amy Mitchell is the managing editor at Country Living Magazine. She writes about a wide range of topics, including homes and lifestyle content.
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of horticulture and botanical subjects. My knowledge encompasses various plant species, their characteristics, and gardening practices. I've explored the vast world of flora, from the smallest details of flower anatomy to the broader aspects of landscape design. With this expertise, I'm well-equipped to provide insights into the green wonders of nature discussed in the article you provided.
Now, let's delve into the fascinating world of green flowers mentioned in the article:
-
Bells of Ireland (Annual):
- Characteristics: Multiple cup-shaped blooms on a single stalk with thin papery texture.
- Use: Provides height to flower arrangements; suitable as cut or dried flowers.
-
Mediterranean Spurge (Perennial Shrub):
- Characteristics: Compact evergreen shrub with tough, drought-tolerant features.
- Appearance: Darker green bottom leaves, bright neon-hued bloom clusters.
-
Dianthus 'Green Ball' (Perennial):
- Characteristics: 'Sweet William' dianthus with soft and fuzzy round, lime-colored balls.
- Use: Fun addition to beds and containers.
-
Calla Lily (Perennial, often grown as annual):
- Characteristics: Trumpet-shaped flowers; available in various colors, including light green.
- Use: Stunning addition to gardens or containers; popular in bridal bouquets.
-
Carnation (Annual, Biennial, Perennial):
- Characteristics: Popular filler in multi-flower arrangements; light-green carnations suitable for spring weddings.
-
Chrysanthemum (Perennial and Annual):
- Characteristics: Available in various shades and shapes, including bright green.
- Types: Button spray mums, spider mums; mainstay in the florist industry.
-
co*ckscomb (Perennial, often grown as annual):
- Characteristics: Unique shape reminiscent of ocean coral; strong chartreuse color.
-
Cymbidium Orchid (Perennial):
- Characteristics: Tropical-like colors ranging from light to dark green with red, pink, white, or yellow centers.
- Use: Cut stems can last several weeks, ideal for bouquets.
-
Dahlia (Tender Perennial):
- Characteristics: Available in a rainbow of colors; lime-green version showcased.
- Blooming Period: Midsummer through fall.
-
Flowering Tobacco (Tender Perennial, often grown as annual):
- Characteristics: Leafy, full-bodied green stalks with toxic, dainty-looking blooms in chartreuse.
These are just a few examples from the extensive list of green flowers discussed in the article. Each plant brings its unique charm and characteristics, adding vibrancy to gardens and bouquets. If you have specific questions about any of these or want more details, feel free to ask!
