Why only straight species?

While hybridized flowers might look appealing to humans, more often than not they're confusing to pollinators. They're bred primarily for ornamental purposes (like larger flowers, more petals or saturated colors) and these changes to flower morphology can make them less accessible, if not completely unrecognizable, to the pollinators that rely on them. Bees especially rely on the UV spectrum to locate nectar guides and distinguish between flowers, slight color variations that the human eye can't even detect can be crucial to their survival. Additionally, some hybrids have a reduced amount of nectar, sometimes even none at all, offering little benefit to the pollinators that visit them. And while there has been some research into the benefits of native plant cultivars versus straight species, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on how hybridized native plants impact specific pollinator species and therefore it’s much easier to default to planting only genetically unaltered, wild native plants (aka straight species). You can tell if a plant is a cultivar or hybrid by looking for quotes in the botanical name on the plant tag (e.g., Echinacea 'Harvest Moon') or an "×" symbol, which indicates hybridization.

Straight species are full of genetic diversity, which allows plants to better adapt and respond to changing conditions and environmental pressure. Hybrids, by design of controlled breeding, dilute and limit the gene pool overtime, potentially leading to a genetic bottleneck. This narrowing of genetic variation makes plants more vulnerable to pests, disease and climate change. When you plant straight species, however, you are fostering a legacy. These plants, honed by millions of years of adaptation to the local environment, offer unmatched resilience that they’ve become famous for. Their seeds scatter far and wide—taking root in abandoned lots, roadsides and untended or otherwise forgotten spaces, and your garden becomes a living extension of its greater ecosystem, all on its own continuing the work of stimulating and supporting life beyond your property line.  Planting straight species not only preserves genetic diversity but also ensures that the resilience and adaptability honed over millennia continue to shape the landscapes of the future.

Here at Pretty Wild we don't find ourselves restricted by using only straight-species in our garden designs, nature provides so much beauty and offers an escape from the human dominated spaces we're in all day, why bring man-made plants into our gardens where here especially, the natural world should be showcased and celebrated? Looking at a native plant is looking at history, their beauty is the product of millions of past sunsets, generosity to other species and adaptation. With hundreds of species to choose from, we'll never get bored of designing with or looking at them!