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Petals are brightly coloured to attract the creatures that are needed to pollinate the flower. Some petals are bright and shiny too. Besides using colour to attract creatures some flowers are perfumed and attract creatures by their scent.

Pollinators are attracted to the flower because they know that many flowers produce a sugary substance called nectar. Nectar is stored at the base of the petal in the nectary. Many insects, birds and other creatures like to drink nectar. Bees use nectar to make honey. Many flowers have special markings on their petals called honey-guides. These markings direct the pollinators towards the nectar.

Flowers are different colours and shapes in order to attract different types of creatures. Many flowers which open in the evening are pollinated by moths, often these flowers have a sweet perfume and are pale coloured so that they show up better in the dark. Birds prefer red and pink coloured flowers whereas insects are attracted to yellow, blue and purple flowers.

Many flowers have petals which are arranged in a way which provides a landing space for insects. Other flowers are shaped to look like other objects or creatures in order to attract pollinators. Others are shaped so that only one particular type of creature can act as a pollinator.