Flowers come in all shapes and sizes, and with varying numbers of petals. Some flowers, like roses and carnations, are known for having many petals, while others have only a few. The number of petals a flower has is dependent on the plant species. When a flower has an exceptionally large number of petals, it is referred to by a few special descriptive terms.
Types of Flowers With Many Petals
Some of the most common types of flowers that frequently have numerous petals include:
| Rose | Usually has around 25-30 petals, but some species have over 100 petals |
| Peony | Large, lush flowers with generally around 30 petals |
| Carnation | Can have up to 40 petals per bloom |
| Chrysanthemum | Has on average 30-50 petals |
| Dahlia | Diverse shapes and sizes, but often has more than 30 petals |
| Gerbera Daisy | Bright, daisy-like flowers with around 30-70 petals |
| Sunflower | Can have hundreds or even over a thousand petals |
These are some of the most popular flower varieties that contain multiple layers of petals when fully in bloom. The higher number of petals creates a fuller, more lush look.
Special Terms for Flowers With Many Petals
When flowers contain an exceptionally large number of petals, special descriptive terms are used to characterize them. Here are some of the unique names used for flowers with many petals:
Double Flower
One of the most common terms is a double flower. This refers to a flower that contains extra petals compared to the normal version of that flower. For example, a double tulip may have around 60 petals versus the usual 6 petals. Double flowers appear fuller and more vibrant.
Multi-Petaled
Multi-petaled is an obvious descriptive word that indicates a flower has numerous petals, substantially more than average. “Multi-petaled rose” specifies it is a rose with an exceptionally high number of petals.
Full Flower
A full flower is similar to a double flower, meaning it has extra petals that create a fuller bloom. The term “full flower” can be used for any flower variety that has more petals than typical.
Pom Pom Flower
A pom pom flower has so many petals packed into a rounded shape that it resembles a pom pom. Examples are chrysanthemums and dahlias bred to have a Pom Pom look.
Rose-Type
Adding “rose-type” to a flower means it has the abundant petals of a rose. For instance, a “rose-type carnation” is a carnation with the multi-layered, plentiful petals of a rose.
Fimbriated
Fimbriated refers to a frilled or notched flower edge. The fringed appearance comes from having many petals.
Causes of Extra Petals
There are a few reasons why some flowers develop with increased numbers of petals:
Genetics
Genetics play a major role in determining the number of petals. Through selective breeding over many generations, flower growers have developed multi-petaled varieties of popular flowers. Certain species also have a genetic tendency to produce more petals naturally.
Mineral Deficiencies
A deficiency in the plant’s boron or molybdenum intake can sometimes cause it to produce extra petals on flowers.
Environmental Stress
External stressors like inconsistent watering, temperature changes, or damaged roots may trigger the plant to produce more petals than normal. The extra petals help protect the reproductive parts of the bloom.
Disease
Certain plant diseases can cause multi-petaled flowers to grow. For example, the tobacco mosaic virus and tulip breaking virus are known to cause dramatic increases in petal count in infected plants.
Growing Conditions
The conditions the plant is subjected to when growing also affects petal count. Insufficient light, crowding, and improper soil pH are examples of conditions that may spur extra petal growth.
Advantages of Multi-Petaled Flowers
Having many petals provides some key advantages:
Visual Appeal
The abundant petals create a fuller, more luxurious flower that is prized for its beauty. Floral arrangements highlight multi-petaled blooms.
Fragrance
More petals mean a larger surface area emitting fragrance from the essential oils in the petals. Therefore, multi-petaled blooms often have a stronger, nicer fragrance.
Longer Lasting Blooms
The increased petal count provides more protection for the reproductive parts of the bloom. This added coverage allows the flowers to last longer before wilting.
Pollination Aid
The fuller shape and fragrance serve to attract more bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, improving pollination.
Unique Novelty
The unusual nature of having many petals makes these flowers interesting novelties for gardens and floral arrangements.
Disadvantages of Multi-Petaled Flowers
Some drawbacks associated with having numerous petals include:
Lower Seed Production
The extra petals divert energy that would otherwise go to the reproductive parts of the bloom, decreasing seed production.
Smaller Blooms
In some cases, the weight of numerous heavy petals prevents the flower from fully opening, resulting in smaller overall bloom size.
Nutrient Drain
All those petals require ample nutrients and energy from the plant, which can drain resources quickly.
Susceptibility to Rot
The tightly packed petals retain moisture, increasing susceptibility to rot, fungus, and disease. Proper air circulation is essential.
Vulnerability to Damage
Petal-dense flowers can be fragile and prone to wind, rain, and pest damage due to the crowded petals.
Caring for Multi-Petaled Flowers
A few tips for properly caring for flowers with abundant petals:
– Deadhead spent blooms frequently to encourage more flowers
– Water thoroughly when soil is partly dry to provide sufficient moisture
– Stake tall flowers to prevent damage from wind/rain
– Space plants appropriately to allow for good airflow
– Apply fertilizer to nutrient demanding plants
– Inspect for pests/disease and address issues promptly
– Protect plants from harsh weather extremes
– Remove faded blooms to prevent rot in crowded petals
– Propagate plants to preserve desirable multi-petaled varieties
Popular Multi-Petaled Flowers
Here is an overview of some of the most popular varieties of flowers that frequently have many petals:
Rose
The classic rose flower can have over 100 petals! Bush and shrub rose varieties are commonly bred to be double flowered.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums used in floral displays typically have over 50 lush, textured petals per bloom.
Dahlia
Dramatic, decorative dahlias showcase pom pom, cactus, and waterlily flower shapes with crowded, multi-layered petals.
Carnation
Carnations are available in double flowered forms which have ruffled, tightly packed petals.
Peony
Tree peonies and herbaceous peonies produce massive, full flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow.
Daffodil
The double daffodil has multiple rows of petals instead of the standard single trumpet shape.
Tulip
Fringed, multi-petaled tulips like the ones affected by the tulip breaking virus have an elegant, ruffled look.
Sunflower
Sunflower buds become bursts of hundreds of long, spiraled petals radiating from the flower center.
Hydrangea
Bigleaf hydrangea varieties have globular flower heads composed of dozens of small, delicate petals.
Aster
These daisy-like blooms can have over 50 ray florets surrounding a central disc of tiny tubular florets.
Key Takeaways
– Flowers with many petals are referred to as double, multi-petaled, full flowers, pom poms, or rose-type.
– Genetics, mineral deficiencies, environmental stress, and diseases can cause extra petals.
– Advantages include visual appeal, fragrance, longer blooms, pollination benefits, and novelty.
– Disadvantages include reduced seeds, smaller size, nutrient drain, rot susceptibility, and fragility.
– Proper care ensures healthy growth of petal-dense flowers.
– Roses, dahlias, chrysanthemums, carnations, and peonies are prime examples of multi-petaled flowers.
Conclusion
Flowers containing copious amounts of petals have distinct descriptive terms like double, pom pom, or multi-petaled. Genetics and environmental conditions often lead to increased petal production. The many petals create showy, fragrant blooms but also require careful growing conditions. Favorites like roses, dahlias, and peonies highlight the lavish, full flowers that can result when petals become exceptionally numerous. Exploring the diversity of multi-petaled flowers reveals nature’s ingenuity in form and beauty.