Emeralds and Evergreens

Green is the colour on the agenda this week and, with the last frosts of spring soon to be behind us, we can expect a lot more of it in the coming months. The primary connotation of green is, of course, its prolific occurrence in nature and this is the primary reason green is such a popular colour for interior design, as it evokes the presence of health and life. Its components blue and yellow, which denote cool and warmth respectively, thus green, itself strikes a balance between the two. Because of these connotations, green’s primary effects on your feelings tend to be of a calming nature, offering a sense of renewal and harmony whilst alleviating anxiety. Plant some of the species suggested below and see if they can offer you the same therapy.

Floral and Hardy’s Favourite Five Georgeous Green Flowers:

1. Alchemilla mollisr
Also known by its colloquial name ‘Lady’s Mantle’, the Alchemilla family are perennials that have soft green foliage with serrated edges, and sprays of tiny lime green flowers in late summer and early autumn - ideal timing for that extra sprig of warmth that its yellow tinge will provide. This perennial prefers full sun though it will tolerate partial shade and can survive in practically any soil type provided that moisture is adequate.

2. Euphorbia robbiaer
Euphorbia robbiae is classified as a very versatile evergreen perennial that can survive nearly any environment and soil, even dry and shady spots, although that can make it slightly invasive! It will provide attractive dark green foliage in the winter months and long-lasting, lime green flowers in the summer. However, it is important to note that all parts of this cultivar are highly toxic when ingested.

3. Helleborous argutifoliusr
Argutifolius is an evergreen perennial that will grow to a mature height of around 1metre and will bear toothed, lance shaped leaves on stout stems. The flowers will bloom in large open clusters of a pale green hue. They will tolerate full shade and most soil types provided they are not acidic, but the key to successful cultivation is providing this plant with shelter as they will not survive strong winds or cold.

4. Moluccella laevisr
The ‘Bells of Ireland’ are bushy upright, annuals, maturing to around 90cm. Their foliage consists of bluntly toothed, small and oval shaped leaves. The tiny white true flowers are held within an exterior housing of petals that themselves are pale green and remain so throughout spring, summer and autumn. They will perform best in full sun with a moderately fertile soil, are indifferent to acidity and also to the material of the soil, whether clay, loam or sand.

5. Tulipa ‘Spring green’
Tulips are bulbous perennials with characteristic flowers that bloom in a wide range of colours, the ‘Spring green’ however makes our list for its titular tones and will grow to a mature height of 40cm with lance-shaped leaves and white petals, complemented by their green central swipe of colour. Plant the ‘Spring green’ about 15 centimetres deep in fertile, moist and well-drained soil. The acid content makes little difference to this cultivar, however, it is important to protect it from extreme conditions such as excessive wet and high winds.

Whilst I hope this list is helpful on your road to a greener garden, never forget that for every cultivar that makes into print, there are a thousand others that didn’t. Thus, consider this a thread that only needs pulling in order to discover a world of variety in the colour green.