Discussion Point: A Petunia that Glows in the Dark?
| Posted in Sustainable Gardening on
In Fine Gardening #221 we mentioned the development of a petunia that glows in the dark. Though this might sound like science fiction, it’s true! The Firefly petunia was created by Light.bio and is currently available for sale although it does appear to sell out very quickly. What do you think about modifying the plants in this way? Would you plant this petunia? Learn more about this plant here: https://www.light.bio/order/
Replies
Are you kidding? Of course I would grow this. This would be the ultimate novelty nobody-else-has-it plant. And the little kid in each of us is uplifted when we see the first fireflies of the season, while coming across foxfire in the woods at night is even more rare, so I would be happy to have this bioluminescence in my garden.
I am not a big fan of glow in the dark in garden decorations or modified plants. But I think it is a matter of personal preference. Interesting and no issue with others growing it but it is just not for me.
Nope. We already have enough light pollution around our homes and elsewhere, which impacts species like fireflies, other insects, and the birds that need them. Don't need to have light-up plants, too.
Absolutely not. Does it provide increased resistance to pests, diseases or climate change? No. Does it enhance pollinator conservation? No. Does it provide any type of additional ecological service? No. The only reason this plant exists is for human entertainment as a novelty. To me, that is not a good enough reason to mess around with the genetics of two different taxonomic kingdoms. We are children playing with matches when it comes to genetic manipulation, and I think going down this path just for novelty is irresponsible.
Hmmm….maybe, depending on my mood when I saw it at my garden center. Quirky with money to spare and a spot where I would see it when I took the dogs out in the evening, yes. Best bang for the buck and looking for native plants for pollinators, of course not.