doubleflowering

Doubleflowering refers to a type of flower that has more petals than its wild or single-flowered counterparts. This condition is a result of a genetic mutation, often occurring naturally but also deliberately bred by horticulturists. The mutation typically causes stamens, the male reproductive parts of a flower, and sometimes pistils, the female reproductive parts, to develop into extra petals. This process is known as petalody.

Double flowers are highly prized in horticulture for their ornamental value, often appearing fuller, more elaborate, and more visually striking than single flowers. They are common in many popular garden plants, including roses, peonies, dahlias, and camellias. The increased number of petals can make the flower's reproductive organs less accessible or even absent, which can affect the plant's ability to produce viable seeds. Consequently, many double-flowered varieties are propagated vegetatively, through cuttings or division, to maintain their specific characteristics. While aesthetically pleasing, the doubleflowering trait can sometimes be seen as a disadvantage from a botanical perspective due to the reduced reproductive capacity.