Rare FlowersAny plant or flower that grows in a very specific and limited location is considered rare; and any plant or flower that exists in limited numbers is also considered rare. A plant that fits both categories is extremely rare.Why some Flowers are Rare Many plants simply don't adapt well to changes in their natural environment, so they can't be grown outside of their own regions. Others become rare for various reasons. Changes in their natural habitat, due to development of the land and over-harvesting of fields, and loss of their natural pollinators are among the most common causes. Hybridization of new species has decreased the number of heirloom plants that were once common in our history. Unfortunately, new hybridized seeds must be purchased every growing season, as they do not reproduce the parent plant. We as gardeners can keep these rare flowers from becoming extinct. Science is constantly looking for ways of improving survival rates for many rare plants and flowers by introducing them back into natural habitats, and home gardeners can support these efforts. We can also purchase seeds from these plants and add them to our landscapes. Examples of Rare Flowers Two varieties of coneflower, the smooth coneflower (Echinaea laevigata) and the Tennessee coneflower (Echinacea tennesseensis) are both perennial flowers that are disappearing from the landscape. The Black Outhouse Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) is a beautiful, almost-black old-fashioned hollyhock that had its origins in the garden of Thomas Jefferson. Seeds have recently become available for home gardeners. A flower that is unique in appearance is the Nutmeg Flower (Nigella sativa). Although fairly common in parts of Europe, it is almost unheard of in the United States. It's an annual that produces small white or blue flowers and quite interesting seed pods, which are great for dried flower arrangements. The seeds are edible and are used in seasoning breads and curries. The Wood Vamp (Decumaria Barbara) climbing plant produces fragrant white flower in June and is a shade lover. Native to the southeastern United States, it would be a unique addition to the shade garden. Of course, there are many rare flowers that cannot adapt to our home gardens because of their growth habits in tropical or desert regions. Many others are so rare that they are almost extinct and impossible to find. But if we look around, and study some of the plants that are native to our regions, we can find many that could become a unique part of our gardens today and gardens of the future.
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