Types of Green Flowers and Their Symbolism

| Wendy Han

Green flowers are nature's beautiful anomaly, offering a unique freshness and distinct elegance that few other blooms possess. They are valued for their rarity and capacity to introduce harmony and texture into any design.

This guide will explore a range of striking green flower types, covering their symbolism, uses, and essential care tips, helping you master the art of green floral décor.

What Makes Green Flowers Special

Green flowers are highly valued in the world of horticulture precisely because they are so rarely found in true, vivid tones; most are lime, chartreuse, or yellowish-green. Unlike their colourful counterparts, green flowers often retain chlorophyll in their petals, making them visually unique.

Symbolically, green is universally associated with renewal, balance, harmony, and prosperity, often representing life itself. This makes them exceptionally popular for St. Patrick's Day, modern weddings, and any contemporary décor scheme looking for a fresh, sophisticated edge.

21 Types of Green Flowers

To help you appreciate the depth and variety available in this unusual colour, here is a detailed breakdown of 21 radiant green blooms.

1. Green Cymbidium Orchid

  • Appearance: Boat-shaped petals in shades of lime or chartreuse; often has a contrasting throat.
  • Symbolism: Refinement, morality, and strength of character.
  • Uses in Arrangements: Upscale corporate gifts, sophisticated event centrepieces, and elegant modern bouquets.
  • Care Tips: Keep the environment cool; cut orchids benefit from shallow water and high humidity.

2. Bells of Ireland (Moluccella Laevis)

  • Appearance: Tall, stately spires lined with bell-shaped, calyxes (not true flowers) in a vivid, almost neon green.
  • Symbolism: Good luck, fortune, and singularity.
  • Uses in Arrangements: Vertical accents in large-scale designs, St. Patrick's Day décor, and garden-style bouquets.
  • Care Tips: Very good vase life; remove lower leaves to prevent water contamination.

3. Green Chrysanthemum (“Kermit” or “Anastasia” Varieties)

  • Appearance: Dense, rounded blooms or large, spidery petals in a solid, bright green.
  • Symbolism: Long life, optimism, and cheerfulness.
  • Uses in Arrangements: Textural filler in modern bouquets, event décor, and long-lasting home arrangements.
  • Care Tips: Extremely durable; remove spent foliage and refresh the water often.

4. Green Hydrangea

  • Appearance: Large, mop-head clusters of flowers that transition to a crisp lime-green as they age.
  • Symbolism: Renewal, transformation, and heartfelt emotion.
  • Uses in Arrangements: Lush wedding centrepieces, high-impact summer bouquets, and stylish home décor.
  • Care Tips: Very thirsty; re-cut stems frequently and plunge in water if wilting occurs.

5. Green Rose (Cultivars Like “Super Green”)

  • Appearance: Small to medium blooms where the petals are actually modified sepals, giving it a mossy, light green appearance.
  • Symbolism: New beginnings, fertility, and constant rejuvenation.
  • Uses in Arrangements: Novelty bouquets, botanical-themed weddings, and sophisticated arrangements needing a hint of green.
  • Care Tips: Handle carefully; treat like standard roses, keeping them cool and well-hydrated.

6. Green Carnation

  • Appearance: Ruffled, densely petalled flowers in a vibrant, often dyed, light green hue.
  • Symbolism: Good luck, distinction, and enduring fascination.
  • Uses in Arrangements: Popular for St. Patrick's Day, filler in large arrangements, and buttonholes.
  • Care Tips: Excellent vase life; requires little maintenance beyond clean water.

7. Green Zinnia (Zinnia Elegans – “Envy” Variety)

  • Appearance: Unique, dome-shaped flowers with crisp, lime-green petals.
  • Symbolism: Endurance, lasting affection, and uniqueness.
  • Uses in Arrangements: Cottage-garden style bouquets, informal gifts, and vibrant summer arrangements.
  • Care Tips: Cut when fully open; benefits from immediate hydration upon cutting.

8. Green Hellebore (Helleborus Viridis)

  • Appearance: Cup-shaped, often nodding, persistent sepals (misidentified as petals) in a mossy or olive green.
  • Symbolism: Peace, serenity, and scandal (historic).
  • Uses in Arrangements: High-end, textural bouquets; winter and early spring table décor.
  • Care Tips: Sear the stem ends with boiling water before arranging to extend vase life.

9. Green Dianthus (Var. “Green Trick”)

  • Appearance: Fuzzy, perfectly spherical, pom-pom-like flower heads in a solid, bright green.
  • Symbolism: Admiration, bold charm, and novelty.
  • Uses in Arrangements: Textural filler, modern bouquets, and fun arrangements for birthdays.
  • Care Tips: Very durable; check the water level frequently as the heads hold moisture.

10. Green Daylily (Hemerocallis)

  • Appearance: Trumpet-shaped flowers in soft green-yellow or lime-green hues; petals open for only one day.
  • Symbolism: Forgetfulness, new possibilities, and joy.
  • Uses in Arrangements: Cut flowers are very difficult to use; best appreciated as a stunning garden plant.
  • Care Tips: Requires deep, well-drained soil; remove spent flowers daily.

11. Green Gladiolus

  • Appearance: Tall spikes with large, frilly, upward-facing blooms in a bright lime-green.
  • Symbolism: Strength of character, remembrance, and infatuation.
  • Uses in Arrangements: Vertical accent in formal displays, traditional bouquets, and event décor.
  • Care Tips: Needs staking when growing; remove the top bud when cutting to encourage lower buds to open.

12. Green Tulip (Viridiflora Group)

  • Appearance: Standard cup-shaped tulip where the petals have green flares or stripes running down their length.
  • Symbolism: Rebirth, good fortune, and enduring love.
  • Uses in Arrangements: Distinctive spring bouquets, Easter décor, and unique table settings.
  • Care Tips: Keep cool and out of direct sunlight; add a coin to the vase to keep the water clean.

13. Green Calla Lily

  • Appearance: Sculptural, trumpet-shaped spathe in a clean, solid, apple-green.
  • Symbolism: Growth, vitality, and sophistication.
  • Uses in Arrangements: Modern, architectural bouquets, corporate gifts, and sleek event styling.
  • Care Tips: Prefers shallow water; cut stems carefully to avoid crushing the base.

14. Green Gerbera Daisy

  • Appearance: Large, cheerful blooms with crisp, apple-green petals and a dark centre.
  • Symbolism: Cheerfulness, renewal, and zest for life.
  • Uses in Arrangements: Fun, uplifting bouquets, get-well-soon gifts, and casual home décor.
  • Care Tips: Place in shallow water to prevent the stems from rotting; use flower food.

15. Greenish Euphorbia (Euphorbia Marginata)

  • Appearance: Small, white flowers surrounded by prominent green and white striped leaf-like bracts.
  • Symbolism: Protection and perseverance.
  • Uses in Arrangements: Used as a lush, textured filler in bouquets; creates a "wild" aesthetic.
  • Care Tips: Handle stems with care as the sap can be irritating; provides excellent texture and lasts well.

16. Green Spider Mum

  • Appearance: Chrysanthemum variety with long, thin, spidery petals in a light lime-green.
  • Symbolism: Joy, longevity, and appreciation.
  • Uses in Arrangements: Contemporary bouquets, long-lasting table arrangements, and structural décor.
  • Care Tips: Extremely long vase life; keep water clean and clear.

17. Green Hydrangea Paniculata (Lime Green Blooms)

  • Appearance: Large, conical or pyramid-shaped flower heads that emerge green and often turn pink or red before settling into lime-green.
  • Symbolism: Vibrant thanks and enthusiastic admiration.
  • Uses in Arrangements: Formal summer bouquets, elegant foyer displays, and garden-themed events.
  • Care Tips: Excellent for drying; treat cut stems with commercial flower food.

18. Green Cockscomb (Celosia)

  • Appearance: Velvet-like, crested heads that resemble brains or coral in a striking chartreuse or lime-green.
  • Symbolism: Fascination, originality, and resilience.
  • Uses in Arrangements: High-texture contrast, autumn bouquets, and unique, sculptural designs.
  • Care Tips: Very long-lasting and easy to dry; remove all leaves below the waterline.

19. Greenish Amaranthus (Amaranthus cCudatus)

  • Appearance: Long, trailing, rope-like tassels densely covered in tiny green flowers; highly dramatic.
  • Symbolism: Immortality, enduring love, and hope.
  • Uses in Arrangements: Statement hanging installations, dramatic cascading bridal bouquets, and vertical accents.
  • Care Tips: Needs deep water; ensure the tassel is fully submerged upon hydration to prevent wilting.

20. Green Lotus (Rare Cultivars)

  • Appearance: Large, iconic, multi-petalled flowers with pale green tips or a dominant greenish hue.
  • Symbolism: Purity, enlightenment, and nature's quiet strength.
  • Uses in Arrangements: High-end, limited-edition bouquets, sophisticated aquatic displays, and spiritual décor.
  • Care Tips: Keep the base of the stem submerged in water; use gentle handling.

21. Green Succulent Flowers (e.g., Echeveria Blooms)

  • Appearance: Waxy, fleshy rosettes or small, bell-like flowers emerging from the rosette base; grey-green to bright lime.
  • Symbolism: Endurance, lasting love, and tenacity.
  • Uses in Arrangements: Modern bouquets (used as an accent), buttonholes, and minimalist table décor.
  • Care Tips: Extremely low maintenance; excellent longevity as a cut item.

Symbolism & Occasions

The colour green in floristry is powerful and deep. Green primarily symbolises renewal, harmony, peace, and prosperity, acting as a visual breath of fresh air.

Hence, green blooms are ideal for weddings, where they signify new beginnings and fertility, and they're perfect for modern, eco-themed events that favour natural, sophisticated aesthetics.

Culturally, green is associated with vitality; for instance, the Chinese often link green with wealth and good health, reinforcing its role as a welcoming and positive gift for housewarmings or business openings.

Care & Handling Tips

Caring for cut green flowers is generally straightforward but requires some attention to detail. Firstly, always start by trimming the stems at an angle and placing them in clean water with floral preservatives.  To extend their vase life, you should change the water daily and remove any foliage that sits below the waterline.

Additionally, due to the high chlorophyll content in many green flowers, they perform best when kept in a cool location with soft, indirect light. For tropical climates like Singapore, keep flowers in an air-conditioned room if possible, as excessive heat accelerates wilting. Also, check water levels frequently due to high humidity.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What makes green flowers unique compared to other colours?

Green flowers are unique because their colour comes from chlorophyll (the pigment usually found in leaves) rather than typical flower pigments. This makes true green blooms rarer and gives them a fresh, neutral quality that complements all other colours in a floral arrangement.

Which green flowers are most popular in floral arrangements?

The most popular green flowers in arrangements are the bells of Ireland (for height and luck), green hydrangea (for texture and volume), green chrysanthemum (for longevity and filler), and the architectural green calla lily (for modern, sleek designs).

Are green flowers naturally occurring or hybrid creations?

Most green flowers are naturally occurring, often as an ageing phase (like in some hydrangeas) or through modification of sepals (like the green rose). However, specific, intense chartreuse or lime colours are often the result of careful hybridisation and selective breeding by horticulturalists.

What occasions are best suited for green flowers?

Green flowers are perfectly suited for occasions focused on new beginnings (housewarmings, new jobs), prosperity (corporate events), celebrations of life, and St. Patrick’s Day. Their calm nature also makes them ideal for contemporary home and office décor.

How long do green flowers last, and how can you care for them?

Many green flowers, such as carnations and chrysanthemums, have a vase life of 10 to 14 days or more. To maximise this, keep them in clean water with flower food, re-cut the stems every few days, and place them away from direct heat sources.

Can green flowers be grown in tropical climates like Singapore?

Yes, certain green flowers can be grown in tropical climates. Green orchids and green succulents are well-suited, while green hydrangeas and other temperate varieties require careful management, such as consistent shade and excellent soil drainage.

What symbolism is associated with green flowers across cultures?

Across cultures, green flowers are strongly associated with good fortune, health, and vitality. In many Eastern traditions, green represents renewal and balance in nature. Meanwhile, in Western traditions, it typically signifies hope, life, and environmental awareness.



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