Why different flowers have different colours

Whether you take a stroll around a lush garden or a trip to your local florist, you are bound to notice flowers of various colours. Some flowers are available in just about every colour and several shades of each colour too. There are even flowers that are muli-coloured which are particularly interesting. Nature is to thank for most of the colourful flowers we have today. However, man has been known to get involved from time to time in order to grow their favourite flower in a colour not found anywhere in nature.

Floral colours are due to something called anthocyanidins. These compounds are named after the flower in which they are found and they are all different. Petunidin is the purple compound found in petunias and, thanks to modern technology, scientists can manipulate other flowers using this anthocyanidin. For example, the compounds extracted from deliphiniums can be used to create stunning blue carnations.

When anthocyanidin is combined with the sugar naturally found in plants, the result is anthocyanin. It is anthocyanin that causes leaves to change colour in autumn while chlorophyll gives leaves their green colour.

Plants produce bright flowers in order to attract insects and birds. When the creatures arrive to enjoy the nectar from the flower, they leave covered in pollen. This is how pollen is spread from one flower to the next and it is an essential part of the reproduction process of plants. Once a flower has been pollenated, it will then change colour. This is a clear sign for insects and birds that they should look for another flower instead.

Another factor that can also influence the colour and shade of colour of a flower is light. It’s important to note that the flower colour does not change but rather our perception of the colour. Colours look different in bright light as opposed to low light. In addition, the pH level of the soil can directly affect the colour of the flower. Simply look at hydrangeas. Different colour flowers are produced depending on the pH level of the soil.