Hacquetia epipactis
Green flowers are quite unusual, though theses green petals are really bracts (modified leaves) surrounding the tiny, yellow flowers in the centre.
The bright green colour in spring, attracts insects to the pollen laden flowers to ensure maximum distribution of the pollen. The colour then gradually fades to a duller green as less pollen is produced and the signal to ‘come and get it’ is no longer needed.
These compact little plants grow to 30cm high x 25cm wide, and, like most plants, once they’re in the right conditions they’re easy to grow. They like rich soil that won’t dry out and should be planted in light shade ……. a woodland edge is perfect.
They’re easy to propagate, I dig mine up in spring after the bright colour of the bracts fades, tease it in half and replant them, adding rich compost to the planting holes.
This fits the bill if, like me, you like to have a few plants in your garden that are unusual.
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