Green flowers, while less common than their more brightly colored counterparts, hold a unique place in both the natural world and in human culture. The color green in flowers often symbolizes health, growth, and renewal, resonating with the very essence of nature itself. These flowers can range from soft lime to deep emerald.
Many green flowers are not “true” flowers but rather modified structures like bracts or calyces, as seen in plants like Bells of Ireland or certain types of anthuriums. The green color in these flowers can result from chlorophyll, which is unusual in petals since most flowers aim to attract pollinators with vibrant colors. However, green flowers still attract a variety of pollinators, particularly those that are less sensitive to color, like moths or flies. Additionally, they are popular in modern garden design for creating a monochromatic or minimalist look, or for adding contrast in mixed beds where the green serves as a foil to more vivid hues.
They are often employed in floral arrangements to signify new beginnings, luck, or environmental consciousness, making them popular for events like weddings, new job celebrations, or eco-friendly initiatives. In the language of flowers, green blooms can convey sentiments of good fortune, fertility, and the promise of a fresh start. Their use in bouquets can also introduce an element of surprise, as they challenge the conventional expectation of floral colors, bringing a sense of calm and rejuvenation.
Green Flowers
Green Flowered Sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Icterina’)
- Origin: Mediterranean region.
- Characteristics: This variety of sage has variegated leaves and small, green flowers, which are less prominent but still charming.
- USDA Zones: 4-10. Requires full sun and well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Thyme (Thymus vulgaris ‘Silver Queen’)
- Origin: Mediterranean.
- Characteristics: Features variegated leaves with small, green blooms that are both ornamental and culinary.
- USDA Zones: 5-9. Needs full sun and well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Green Cloud’)
- Origin: Mediterranean.
- Characteristics: While mainly known for its foliage, this rosemary variety has small, green flowers that attract bees.
- USDA Zones: 7-10. Full sun with well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Mint (Mentha spp.)
- Origin: Europe, Asia, and North America.
- Characteristics: Mint plants bloom with small, tubular green flowers in summer, adding a subtle fragrance and attracting pollinators.
- USDA Zones: 3-11, depending on species. Prefers full sun to partial shade with moist soil.
Greensleeves Rose (Rosa ‘Greensleeves’)
- Origin: Cultivated through selective breeding in rose gardens.
- Characteristics: This rose blooms in shades of lime green to sea green, offering a unique aesthetic. It’s a hybrid tea rose, known for its large, fragrant flowers.
- USDA Zones: 3-8. Greensleeves roses require well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Green Hellebore (Helleborus viridis)
- Origin: Native to Europe, especially in woodland areas.
- Characteristics: A perennial with leathery leaves, it blooms early in the year with cup-shaped, green flowers surrounded by a cluster of thread-like petals. It’s also known for its toxicity, which deters pests.
- USDA Zones: 3-8. Prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.
Green Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum spp.)
- Origin: From Asia and northeastern Europe.
- Characteristics: Often called “mums,” these perennials have vibrant green flowers, varying from lime to dark green. They are popular for their long-lasting blooms, suitable for both gardens and cut arrangements.
- USDA Zones: Varies by variety, but generally 5-9. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Envy Zinnia (Zinnia elegans ‘Envy’)
- Origin: Mexico, where zinnias are native.
- Characteristics: This zinnia variety blooms in a lime green color, adding a unique touch to gardens. It’s an annual known for its resistance to drought and its suitability as a cut flower.
- USDA Zones: 3-10. Needs full sun and can tolerate poor soil if well-drained.
Green Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)
- Origin: Asia, particularly China, Korea, and Japan.
- Characteristics: Daylilies with green tones have trumpet-shaped flowers, each lasting just one day but with multiple blooms per scape. They are hardy and versatile in garden settings.
- USDA Zones: 3-9. They thrive in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.
Green Dianthus (Dianthus barbatus)
- Origin: Southern Europe and Asia.
- Characteristics: Known for its fuzzy, ball-like green blooms, this perennial is part of the carnation family, often showcasing a spicy fragrance.
- USDA Zones: 3-9. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis)
- Origin: Native to Turkey, not Ireland despite the name.
- Characteristics: These annuals are famous for their tall spikes covered in pale green, bell-shaped calyces rather than true flowers. They add height and a touch of luck to gardens.
- USDA Zones: 5-9. They require full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Green Orchid (Various species, e.g., Cymbidium spp.)
- Origin: Southeast Asia, with some species from other tropical regions.
- Characteristics: Orchids can bloom in green, with flowers that might have a lime or chartreuse hue. They are prized for their exotic, unique flowers.
- USDA Zones: Typically grown indoors in zones not applicable for outdoor growth. Needs bright, indirect light and well-draining orchid mix.
Green Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp., e.g., ‘Fairytrail Green’)
- Origin: Asia and North America for different species.
- Characteristics: Hydrangeas can produce green flowers or change color to green as they age. They have large, showy blooms that can add drama to any garden.
- USDA Zones: 6-9. Prefers partial shade with regular watering for best color.
Green Gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.)
- Origin: South Africa, but widely cultivated globally.
- Characteristics: These flowers have long stems with blooms in various shades, including green, adding elegance to floral arrangements.
- USDA Zones: 7-10. They need full sun and well-drained soil, often treated as annuals in colder zones.
Anthurium (Anthurium spp.)
- Origin: Tropical regions of the Americas.
- Characteristics: Known as the “flamingo flower,” anthuriums feature heart-shaped, glossy leaves with a green spathe that surrounds the spadix.
- USDA Zones: Typically grown as houseplants (N/A for outdoor zones), requiring bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Green Dahlia (Dahlia spp.)
- Origin: Mexico, Central America, and Colombia.
- Characteristics: Dahlias can come in green, though it’s less common. They have large, rounded blooms that make them standout garden plants or cut flowers.
- USDA Zones: 7-10. Best in full sun with well-drained soil; often treated as annuals in colder zones.
Green Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
- Origin: Sicily, Italy.
- Characteristics: These climbers have delicate, ruffled flowers in green, known for their sweet, nostalgic fragrance.
- USDA Zones: Generally annuals, best in zones 2-11, requiring full sun to partial shade and support for climbing.
Green Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica ‘Green Goddess’)
- Origin: South Africa.
- Characteristics: This variety of calla lily displays an elegant, trumpet-shaped green bloom, symbolizing purity and rebirth.
- USDA Zones: 7-10. Prefers full sun to partial shade with consistently moist, well-drained soil.
Green Tulip (Tulipa spp., e.g., ‘Spring Green’)
- Origin: Central Asia and Turkey.
- Characteristics: Green tulips offer a subtle, yet striking contrast in spring gardens with their unique green and white coloring.
- USDA Zones: 3-8. They require full sun and well-drained soil, planted in the fall for spring blooming.
Green Flowered Sedum (Sedum spectabile ‘Green Ice’)
- Origin: East Asia.
- Characteristics: This succulent produces clusters of green flowers that add unique texture to rock gardens or container arrangements.
- USDA Zones: 3-9. Requires full sun and well-drained soil, highly drought-tolerant.
Green Flowered Eryngium (Eryngium planum ‘Jade Frost’)
- Origin: Europe and Asia.
- Characteristics: Known as sea holly, this variety has green thistle-like flowers with a metallic sheen, excellent for dried arrangements.
- USDA Zones: 4-8. Prefers full sun and well-drained, sandy soil.
Green Flowered Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis ‘Green Pearls’)
- Origin: Asia, particularly China.
- Characteristics: Features feathery plumes of green flowers, adding a soft texture to shaded garden areas.
- USDA Zones: 4-8. Thrives in partial to full shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Oregano (Origanum vulgare ‘Green Gold’)
- Origin: Mediterranean region.
- Characteristics: While primarily an herb, it produces small green flowers that complement its golden-green foliage.
- USDA Zones: 5-9. Full sun, well-drained soil, drought-tolerant.
Green Flowered Hosta (Hosta ‘Green Fountain’)
- Origin: Northeast Asia.
- Characteristics: Known for its foliage, this hosta also produces green-tinged flowers on tall scapes, adding subtle charm to shade gardens.
- USDA Zones: 3-8. Prefers partial to full shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Agapanthus (Agapanthus ‘Green Dream’)
- Origin: South Africa.
- Characteristics: This lily-of-the-Nile variety has green blooms that provide a striking contrast to its strappy leaves.
- USDA Zones: 8-10. Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Geranium (Pelargonium ‘Green Mist’)
- Origin: South Africa.
- Characteristics: Features small, green blooms with a faint fragrance, often grown as a container plant.
- USDA Zones: 9-11, often grown as an annual or indoor plant. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus ‘Green Spires’)
- Origin: North America.
- Characteristics: This variety has green-tinged flower spikes that add vertical interest and attract pollinators.
- USDA Zones: 4-8. Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Salvia (Salvia officinalis ‘Green Sage’)
- Origin: Mediterranean region.
- Characteristics: Primarily grown as a culinary herb, it can produce small green flowers, adding to its ornamental appeal.
- USDA Zones: 5-9. Full sun, well-drained soil, drought-tolerant.
Green Flowered Veronica (Veronica spicata ‘Green Charm’)
- Origin: Europe and Asia.
- Characteristics: Produces spikes of green flowers, ideal for adding vertical accents to borders.
- USDA Zones: 3-8. Full sun, well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Kniphofia (Kniphofia uvaria ‘Green Jade’)
- Origin: South Africa.
- Characteristics: Known as red-hot poker, this variety has green blooms that fade to yellow, adding exotic flair.
- USDA Zones: 5-9. Full sun, well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea ‘Green Twister’)
- Origin: North America.
- Characteristics: A coneflower variety with green petals and a dark central cone, attractive to pollinators and great for naturalized gardens.
- USDA Zones: 3-8. Full sun, well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Yarrow (Achillea millefolium ‘Green Mist’)
- Origin: Europe and Asia.
- Characteristics: Features flat clusters of tiny green flowers, known for their medicinal properties and ability to attract beneficial insects.
- USDA Zones: 3-9. Full sun, well-drained soil, highly drought-tolerant.
Green Flowered Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata ‘Green Envy’)
- Origin: North America.
- Characteristics: This tickseed variety has green flowers with yellow centers, offering a long blooming period.
- USDA Zones: 4-9. Full sun, well-drained soil, drought-tolerant.
Green Flowered Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri ‘Green Fountain’)
- Origin: Southern United States and Mexico.
- Characteristics: Produces delicate green flowers on wiry stems, giving a whimsical, airy appearance.
- USDA Zones: 5-9. Full sun, well-drained soil, drought-tolerant.
Green Flowered Sedum (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’)
- Origin: Europe.
- Characteristics: While prized for its golden foliage, it also produces small, green flowers in summer, adding to its appeal.
- USDA Zones: 3-9. Full sun, well-drained soil, particularly in rock gardens or as ground cover.
Green Flowered Saxifraga (Saxifraga ‘Green Apple’)
- Origin: Northern Hemisphere, with some species from the Andes.
- Characteristics: This saxifrage produces clusters of green flowers, ideal for rock gardens or as ground cover.
- USDA Zones: 3-8. Prefers partial shade and well-drained, rocky soil.
Green Button Pom Flower (Chrysanthemum ‘Yoko Ono’ or ‘Kermit Pom’)
- Origin: Cultivated from Asian and European chrysanthemum species.
- Characteristics: These are small, spherical blooms with a bright green color, offering a playful and vibrant touch to arrangements.
- USDA Zones: 5-9. Requires full sun and well-drained soil.
Green Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus ‘Prado’)
- Origin: Mediterranean region, specifically the natural green variety from Spain.
- Characteristics: The Prado carnation is the only naturally occurring green carnation, with mint-colored petals, symbolizing admiration in the LGBTQ+ community.
- USDA Zones: 5-9. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Green Spider Mum (Dendranthema grandiflorum ‘Anastasia Green’)
- Origin: Bred from species native to Asia and Europe.
- Characteristics: Known for its long, spider-like petals, this mum adds a textural element to bouquets, blooming in autumn.
- USDA Zones: 5-9. Full sun, well-drained soil.
Green Zinnia (Zinnia spp., e.g., ‘Green Envy’)
- Origin: Mexico.
- Characteristics: These zinnias sport chartreuse blooms, ideal for cut flower arrangements due to their longevity.
- USDA Zones: 3-10. Requires full sun and well-drained soil.
Viridiflora Tulip (Tulipa ‘Viridiflora’)
- Origin: Cultivated from species native to Central Asia and Turkey.
- Characteristics: These tulips are notable for their green streaks or edges on petals, offering an unusual color palette.
- USDA Zones: 3-8. Full sun, well-drained soil.
Green Nicotiana (Nicotiana ‘Lime Green’)
- Origin: South America, particularly Brazil.
- Characteristics: Known for its jasmine-like fragrance, this flowering tobacco has lime-green, trumpet-shaped flowers.
- USDA Zones: 10-11, often grown as an annual in other zones. Needs full sun to partial shade.
Green Cymbidium Orchid (Cymbidium spp.)
- Origin: Southeast Asia and parts of Australia.
- Characteristics: These orchids can have lime-green blooms with a sophisticated, elegant appearance.
- USDA Zones: Typically grown indoors (N/A for outdoor zones), requiring bright, indirect light.
Green Hydrangea ‘Limelight’ (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’)
- Origin: Japan and China.
- Characteristics: Known for its lime-green blooms that turn pink as they mature, offering a seasonal color change.
- USDA Zones: 3-8. Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Green Star Gladiolus (Gladiolus hortulanus ‘Green Star’)
- Origin: South Africa.
- Characteristics: This gladiolus has a lush, green flower spike, perfect for adding height and color to mixed borders.
- USDA Zones: 7-10, often grown as an annual in cooler climates.
Green Euphorbia (Euphorbia spp., e.g., ‘Ascot Rainbow’)
- Origin: Mediterranean region.
- Characteristics: Features chartreuse bracts that mimic flowers, adding a unique texture and color to gardens.
- USDA Zones: 6-8. Requires full sun and well-drained soil.
Green Helleborus foetidus (Stinking Hellebore)
- Origin: Europe, especially in the Mediterranean region.
- Characteristics: This hellebore has clusters of green flowers, notable for their early blooming and evergreen foliage.
- USDA Zones: 5-9. Thrives in partial shade with well-drained soil.
Green Allium (Allium spp., e.g., Allium senescens ‘Glaucum’)
- Origin: Central Asia.
- Characteristics: This ornamental onion produces greenish, star-shaped flowers, adding both color and structure.
- USDA Zones: 4-8. Full sun, well-drained soil.
Green Clematis (Clematis ‘Sun-Fill Green’)
- Origin: Hybrid from species native to China and Japan.
- Characteristics: Known for its green, star-shaped blooms, this clematis adds vertical interest to garden structures.
- USDA Zones: 4-9. Needs full sun on the flowers but cool roots.
Green Abutilon (Abutilon sandwicense)
- Origin: Hawaii.
- Characteristics: This endangered shrub has green bell-shaped flowers, providing a tropical feel.
- USDA Zones: 9-11. Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Green Primrose (Primula ‘Green Lace’)
- Origin: Hybrid, with species native to Europe and Asia.
- Characteristics: These primroses have light green flower clusters, adding a delicate touch to early spring gardens.
- USDA Zones: 3-8. Requires partial shade and moisture-retentive soil.
Green Ranunculus (Ranunculus spp., e.g., ‘Green Trick’)
- Origin: Mediterranean region.
- Characteristics: Known for their lush, green, pom-pom blooms, these are excellent for floral arrangements due to their long vase life.
- USDA Zones: 8-11, often grown as annuals in colder zones. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Green Anemone (Anemone coronaria ‘Green Lace’)
- Origin: Mediterranean Basin.
- Characteristics: Features unique green petals with a darker center, adding an elegant touch to spring gardens.
- USDA Zones: 7-10, grown as annuals in cooler regions. Needs full sun to partial shade.
Green Scabiosa (Scabiosa columbaria ‘Green Goddess’)
- Origin: Europe and Asia.
- Characteristics: Produces pincushion-like green flowers that are both whimsical and attractive to pollinators.
- USDA Zones: 4-8. Full sun, well-drained soil.
Green Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum ‘Green Cloud’)
- Origin: Southern United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
- Characteristics: Offers delicate, green, rose-like blooms that are perfect for bouquets, with a preference for warm climates.
- USDA Zones: 8-10, often grown as annuals elsewhere. Requires full sun and good drainage.
Green Cockscomb (Celosia argentea ‘Green Siam’)
- Origin: Tropical Africa.
- Characteristics: Known for its crested, brain-like green blooms, adding a dramatic element to gardens.
- USDA Zones: 10-11, commonly treated as an annual. Loves full sun and well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes)
- Origin: Mediterranean region.
- Characteristics: While primarily grown for its edible stem, the plant also produces small, insignificant green flowers.
- USDA Zones: 3-9. Needs full sun to partial shade, fertile soil.
Green Flowered Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus)
- Origin: Mediterranean.
- Characteristics: Before the edible part forms, it produces large, thistle-like green flowers, which can be quite ornamental.
- USDA Zones: 7-11. Full sun, well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Aloe (Aloe spp., e.g., Aloe polyphylla)
- Origin: Lesotho, South Africa.
- Characteristics: This aloe species has spiral arrangements of spiky leaves, with green flowers on tall stalks.
- USDA Zones: 9-11. Requires full sun and well-drained soil, often grown as a houseplant in cooler zones.
Green Fritillaria (Fritillaria meleagris ‘Green’)
- Origin: Europe, especially England.
- Characteristics: Known as the snake’s head fritillary, its green variant has a chequered pattern, ideal for naturalized gardens.
- USDA Zones: 3-8. Prefers partial shade with well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Narcissus (Narcissus ‘Green Pearl’)
- Origin: Europe and North Africa.
- Characteristics: This daffodil variety has petals with green tints, offering a fresh look for early spring.
- USDA Zones: 3-8. Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Heuchera (Heuchera ‘Lime Rickey’)
- Origin: North America.
- Characteristics: While primarily known for its foliage, it also produces small, green flowers on tall stems.
- USDA Zones: 4-9. Prefers partial shade with well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides ‘Green Leaves’)
- Origin: Southeast Asia and Malaysia.
- Characteristics: Primarily a foliage plant, some varieties have green flowers that add to their ornamental value.
- USDA Zones: 10-11, grown as annuals or houseplants elsewhere. Partial shade, well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus ‘Alaska Green’)
- Origin: Central and South America.
- Characteristics: This variety has variegated foliage with green flowers, edible and attractive to pollinators.
- USDA Zones: 9-11, treated as an annual in cooler zones. Full sun to partial shade.
Green Flowered Bonsai Begonia (Begonia heracleifolia)
- Origin: Mexico.
- Characteristics: Features large, fuzzy leaves and small green flowers, perfect for bonsai enthusiasts or shaded areas.
- USDA Zones: 9-11, often grown as a houseplant. Prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Phormium (Phormium tenax ‘Green Dwarf’)
- Origin: New Zealand.
- Characteristics: Although mainly grown for its foliage, it does produce small, green flowers on tall stalks.
- USDA Zones: 9-11. Full sun, well-drained soil, can be grown in containers in cooler areas.
Green Flowered Agastache (Agastache foeniculum ‘Golden Jubilee’)
- Origin: North America.
- Characteristics: Known for its golden foliage, this variety also blooms with green flowers, enhancing its ornamental appeal.
- USDA Zones: 4-9. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. ‘Green Ruffles’)
- Origin: India and other tropical regions of Asia.
- Characteristics: This basil variety has ruffled, green leaves and tiny, green flowers that emerge when flowering is allowed.
- USDA Zones: 10-11, grown as an annual in other zones. Full sun, well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Chives (Allium schoenoprasum ‘Forescate’)
- Origin: Europe, Asia, and North America.
- Characteristics: Chives produce small, green, globe-shaped flowers that are both edible and decorative.
- USDA Zones: 3-9. Needs full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Oregano (Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’)
- Origin: Mediterranean.
- Characteristics: This golden oregano has tiny green flowers that add to its garden interest, especially when left to bloom.
- USDA Zones: 4-9. Full sun, well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Loddon Pink’)
- Origin: Mediterranean.
- Characteristics: Although primarily known for its purple blooms, some lavender varieties like ‘Loddon Pink’ can have greenish flowers when young.
- USDA Zones: 5-8. Requires full sun and well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Geranium (Pelargonium ‘Green Happy Thought’)
- Origin: South Africa.
- Characteristics: This zonal geranium has vibrant green leaves and can produce small green flowers, adding contrast to its foliage.
- USDA Zones: 10-11, often grown as annuals or houseplants in cooler zones. Full sun to partial shade.
Green Flowered Campanula (Campanula takesimana ‘Elizabeth’)
- Origin: Korea.
- Characteristics: Produces bell-shaped, greenish flowers that hang delicately from the plant, providing a unique texture.
- USDA Zones: 4-7. Prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Epimedium (Epimedium x versicolor ‘Sulphureum’)
- Origin: Asia, particularly China and Japan.
- Characteristics: Often called barrenwort, this variety has greenish-yellow flowers, offering a subtle color in shaded areas.
- USDA Zones: 5-8. Partial to full shade, moist, well-drained soil.
Green Flowered Sedum (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’)
- Origin: Europe.
- Characteristics: While prized for its golden foliage, it also produces small, green flowers in summer, adding to its appeal.
- USDA Zones: 3-9. Full sun, well-drained soil, particularly in rock gardens or as ground cover.