By Tina Solem, Master Gardener in Training, SCMG
Spring has finally arrived! At long last, local garden centres are bustling with shoppers in search of new additions.
When browsing ornamentals, it is hard to ignore the variety of newly introduced cultivars with flowers that seem to get more and more flush with petals as the years pass. Flowers that are thick and fluffy and absolutely jam-packed with petals are known as double flowers. Double flowers can occur naturally as a genetic mutation, but the ones sold in nurseries have been selectively bred for their appeal.
Flowers are the reproductive organs of plants. Petals form a ring around the male (stamen) and female (pistil) reproductive parts located at the center. The stamen consists of the filament and the pollen-producing anther. Insects such as bees, butterflies, and hoverflies access pollen from the anther and nectar-seeking insects obtain nectar from the base of the stamen.
Single flowers contain only one row of petals, and the yellow pollen-covered anthers are both clearly visible and easily accessible to their visitors. In double flower varieties, however, some or all of the stamens have been converted to petals. As a result, the amount of available pollen is significantly reduced and any amount of pollen remaining is hidden in the masses of fluffy petals, making it very difficult for pollinators to access.
Common ornamentals that have been bred to produce dense fluffy flowers include peonies, echinacea, and roses. Annuals such as cosmos and zinnias are also available in single and double (‘pompom’) varieties.
echinacea purpurea (single flower)
echinacea purpurea ‘Pink Double Delight’ (double flower)
Single vs double rose varieties.
There is no denying the beauty of double flower varieties, and they can make a beautiful addition to the garden. However, if you would like to welcome pollinators to your space, remember to include a diverse range of wildlife friendly options throughout the garden.
Sources:
https://schoolgardening.rhs.org.uk/resources/info-sheet/flower-structure-diagram. March 11, 2025
https://www.bhg.com/gardening/flowers/roses/fragrant-garden-roses/. March 11, 2025
