The Doubles have their origin from mutations that have occurred in  a number of the species including H.orientalis, H.torquatus, H.dumetorum and H.niger. The doubling gene has turned out to be quite dominant and has allowed many double forms to have been bred.

We were fortunate enough to get some plants  from England in 1986 and also seed from overseas . We also acquired some ‘Betty Ranicar’ seed, a pure white Double flowered hybrid that we got from Tasmania.

Kate has been constantly looking to develop new hybrids from these over the years.

The doubling is the result of the flowers nectaries developing into petals. Some appear to have a fluffy appearance with many layers of petals while others are flatter with two or three distinct rows of petals. 

Another variation that has occurred during the breeding of the Doubles is the Anemone Centered hybrids. These are basically in between  a single and a double.

The nectaries are enlarged, but not to the extent they form a petal. They are always the same colour as the petals and interestingly, once the flower ages, these fall off.

There is a huge variation in flower colour, shape and size, as well as the actual size of the plant and the form of the leaves.

 The Double and Anemone Centered hybrids have proven to be just as hardy and vigorous as the Singles in the garden.