No, that's not normal - the "bracts" are actually new leaves, which always start out red on this particular one, and turn green gradually as they age. This looks like its been caught by frost, or is suffering from drought.

thanks bamboo. could have been frost.
should I remove them?

Think I would, they'll probably just go brown and die back anyway.

thanks again.

Helen living where you do I'd agree with Bamboo, definitely frost damage.

Mine are also like that....in the West Midlands! I lost one section of it too...totally frost damaged.

I clicked this question because mine have gone exactly the same. I am in the East Midlands!

Helen we can expect frosts for some time yet. I would leave those until you are sure the danger of frost is over because they do provide a cover of sorts to the remainder of the plant.

thanks everyone. we were -1 last night so I will leave them meantime scotsgran.
we have had such varied temperatures this last few months the poor plants don,t know what to do!!

If you can I would cover it when you expect frost. An old nylon "lace" curtain, An old shower curtain, or newspaper if you are not in a windy situation, will also help, as a blanket to keep off the cold air, during the night. A lot of frost damage occurs where leaves are exposed to frost, which will not kill them incidentally, but they are then subjected to early morning sun which "cooks" the leaves. If you know the frost has got to your plant and it will face damage from the sun, I would get out there and play water on the plant to allow it to thaw out before the sun ruins it.

thanks i'll try that