Promiscuous Primulas
A wildflower lawn, Cuckfield, West Sussex, UK |
Primulas are known for their "promiscuity" because they readily hybridize, creating colourful combinations. When different Primula species or varieties cross-pollinate they produce hybrid offspring with unique characteristics. Bees can fly great distances and effect such cross-pollination so cowslips Primula veris and primroses Primula vulgaris in a wildflower lawn form new, unwanted colourful combinations. There was a time that I would dig unwanted hybrids out but now, with advancing years I learn to accept them.
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