Green Dream Mathiasella bupleuroides 'Green Dream'
ABOUT
Mathiasella bupleuroides 'Green Dream', known simply as Green Dream, is a unique and striking perennial with an eye-catching appearance. The Green Dream is notable for its intriguing flowers and foliage that add texture and interest to gardens and landscapes. The plant produces robust, bluish-green leaves that form a mound of lush foliage. The leaves are somewhat rounded with a soft, slightly ruffled texture, contributing to the plant's overall attractiveness. As the Green Dream matures, it sends up flower stems that bear unique floral structures. The flowers initially appear in spring and are quite distinctive. They start out encased in pale green, papery bracts that slowly unfurl. As they open up, they reveal clusters of tiny bell-shaped blooms. These blossoms can range in color from a muted greenish-white to pink, creating a subtle contrast with the protective bracts. Over time, the blooms may transform, with the bracts taking on a richer hue, often evolving to a stunning shade of deep pink or even purplish tones. This dramatic color change in the bracts as they age adds to the plant’s seasonal interest, with the flowers having a long-lasting presence in the garden. Green Dream's overall shape tends to be somewhat upright with a clumping habit, making it a good choice for mixed borders where its distinctive form and color can be used to great effect. Its aesthetic will resonate well with garden enthusiasts who appreciate plants with both structural form and delicate beauty.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Apiaceae
Synonyms
Green Dream
Common names
Mathiasella bupleuroides 'Green Dream'
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Greenish-blue
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant has unique green to pink, bell-shaped flowers that provide visual interest from spring to summer.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with low water availability.
- Long Bloom Period: Flowers for an extended period, offering color and structure over a long season.
- Cold Hardy: Can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance plants.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Architectural Structure: Provides structural interest in the garden with its tall flowering stems and robust foliage.
- Good Cut Flower: Stems with blooms can be used in floral arrangements, adding to their versatility.
- Deer Resistance: Less likely to be eaten by deer, which is beneficial for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Works in Mixed Borders: Can be incorporated into mixed garden borders, complementing a variety of other plant species.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Floral Arrangements: The unique green to pink flowers of Green Dream make it an excellent choice for adding a touch of elegance to floral arrangements.
- Teaching Plant Morphology: Due to its distinct flower structure, it can be used as a teaching specimen in botany classes.
- Photography: The plant's intriguing flower shape and color transition offer a wonderful opportunity for photographers specializing in plant and nature photography.
- Dried Flower Crafts: The blooms of Green Dream hold their shape and color well when dried, making them ideal for crafting dried flower arrangements and wreaths.
- Theme Gardens: This plant is suitable for a 'Green' themed garden due to its predominantly green flowers.
- Leaf Castings: Creative gardeners may use the ornamental leaves of Green Dream to make concrete or plaster leaf castings for garden decorations.
- Artistic Inspiration: The unique aesthetic of Green Dream can serve as an inspiration for artists working in various mediums, including painting and sculpture.
- Garden Borders: The plant can be used to create striking garden borders with its long-lasting blooms providing structure.
- Bee Gardening: Green Dream can be included in gardens designed to attract bees and other pollinators.
- Educational Displays: Botanical gardens and educational facilities can use Green Dream as part of displays to educate the public about plant diversity.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Green Dream is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Green Dream is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Uniqueness: Mathiasella bupleuroides 'Green Dream', commonly known as Green Dream, has a distinctive appearance with its green to purple bracts that surround small, inconspicuous flowers. The unique structure of its blooms can represent individuality and distinctiveness.
- Resilience: Green Dream is a hardy plant that can withstand various growing conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and thrive through challenges.
- Rarity: This plant is not as common in gardens as others, hence its unique traits can symbolize rarity and the value of rare beauty or experiences in life.
- Water
For Green Dream, ensure the soil remains consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Watering once every week is a good baseline; however, the frequency may need to increase during particularly hot or dry periods. When watering, aim to use about 1-2 gallons of water, depending on the plant's size and the environmental conditions. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again to avoid overwatering. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering.
- Light
Green Dream prefers a spot with partial shade, ideally receiving morning sunlight and afternoon protection from intense direct rays. The best light conditions include dappled sunlight throughout the day, or bright indirect light which encourages healthy growth without causing scorch to the foliage. Avoid placing it in full shade, as this can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers.
- Temperature
Green Dream thrives in temperatures between 50°F and 75°F, which are ideal for its growth. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F, though it should be protected from prolonged freezing conditions. Maximum temperatures should not exceed 85°F for extended periods to avoid heat stress. Mulching can aid in regulating root temperature during extreme weather.
- Pruning
Pruning Green Dream is necessary to maintain its shape and encourage branching. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Cut back any dead or damaged stems and shape the plant as desired. Pruning should be done annually to promote a healthy plant structure and to prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Green Dream thrives in moist, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. A good mix would be equal parts garden soil, compost, and perlite for drainage.
- Repotting
Green Dream should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot to maintain its health and growth.
- Humidity & Misting
Green Dream prefers moderate humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%, but is quite adaptable to normal indoor humidity levels.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place Green Dream in bright, indirect light and ample space.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from strong winds, mulch well.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
- Life cycle
Mathiasella bupleuroides 'Green Dream' starts its life as a seed, which when sown in well-drained soil and exposed to the right conditions will germinate. The seedling stage follows, during which the first true leaves develop and photosynthesis begins. As it enters the vegetative growth phase, the plant develops a robust root system and multiple leaves, increasing in size and strength. Flowering occurs typically in late spring to early summer, when the plant produces unique greenish-blue inflorescences. After pollination, seeds develop, which when mature, are dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, the plant may enter a period of dormancy during colder months, conserving energy to begin the cycle anew with the return of favorable growth conditions.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Mathiasella bupleuroides 'Green Dream', commonly known as Green Dream, is by seed. It is best to collect the seeds from the plant in late summer when they have matured. Once collected, sow them in a cold frame as soon as possible to maintain their freshness. Keep in mind that germination can be slow and erratic, and it may take several months for the seeds to sprout. It is important to maintain a steady temperature between 55 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 18 degrees Celsius) and ensure the soil is well-drained but consistently moist throughout the germination process. Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, they can be carefully transplanted into individual pots and grown on until they are strong enough to be planted out into their final position.