Galtonia viridiflora - Green-flowered galtonia

Galtonia viridiflora is a species of bellflower with green flowers. This charming South African bulb has strange and rare pale green bell flowers, sometimes edged with white, on long gracefully arching stems. Relatively hardy in well-drained soil, it likes sun, rich and moist soil in summer, and dry soil in winter. A simple and curious beauty, waiting to be discovered.

Galtonia viridiflora belongs to the hyacinth family and grows in mountainous regions in the east of South Africa. This bulb is shorter and stockier than Galtonia candidans. It is also earlier, often flowering in early July, and even hardier. It has decorative foliage in a semi-erect rosette, composed of long and wide lanceolate, slightly chalky, grey-green leaves. In the heart of summer, tall and arching flowering stems, reaching 90 cm (35in), are covered with large bell-shaped flowers inclined towards the ground. They are tubular, tender green, sometimes slightly edged with cream white and arranged regularly in a slightly dense floral spike.

Galtonia viridiflora is hardy down to -10C° and can be planted in the garden in the mildest regions, in a sunny and well-sheltered position. The bulb is particularly sensitive to excess water in winter, which is why it is important to provide good drainage in regions with wet winters. If in doubt, overwinter the bulb in a dry and frost-free place or grow it in a pot. Plant this Cape Hyacinth at the edge of a flowerbed, alongside kniphofias, crocosmias, and gladioli. Green inflorescences like this one are rare in the garden and deserve to be highlighted by purple or chocolate-coloured foliage.