Why are some flowers so intricately designed, e.g. the cleome?

Question

I posed this question in the garden section, but it's really more likely deserving to be posed to the larger forum of scientists and mathemeticians. I've been photographing flowers for years and am really puzzled by some of the intricate patterns I see in such flowers as the cleome and columbine. I find it hard to believe it's all driven by the intent to captivate pollinators, but I'm sure this is part of it just as I know some orchids mimic the insects they try to attract. I'm hoping someone can shed a little light on the subject.

Answer 1

You've answered your own question. Plants evolved for that very reason, attracting pollinators with magnificent colors, designs, smells...

Through natural selection is where all these intricately designed plants, almost like over millions of years they've been fighting to be the "best" so they could attract more insects and survive.