The Variability of Wildflowers

darker pink flowered seedling

The Geranium maculatum are blooming in the back garden. They started with three tiny plants and have spread by seed. The above photo shows one of the seedlings, the blooms of which are a darker pink than the original. The Squirrelhaven Geranium maculatums present a good example of genetic diversity in action.

species' standard bloom color

I prefer the darker pink to the paler lilac pink that is standard of the species.

This year, I noticed a new seedling, at a far remove from the original, near a couple of clumps of the dark pink.

The plant in the foreground has smaller blooms of pure pink.

Genetic diversity is important for species' survival. It allows for adaptation to changing environmental conditions and attacks by new pests. While buying cultivars has advantages of consistency of form or color, or other desirable traits such as dwarfism, gardeners should try to include species wildflowers in their gardens when possible. Aside from helping ensure the future of these plants, gardeners can enjoy nature's creativity and variety.

This post is part of Wildflower Wednesday, hosted by Gail of Clay and Limestone.