The assessment of the <i>Paeonia</i> L. cultivars’ decorative value in planting

Abstract

The assessment of decorative value of 35 peony cultivars growing in the Botanical garden plantings (Ekaterinburg, Sverdlovsk region, the Central Urals) were presented. For assessment were used a 100-rating scale which included the following features: flower colour, flower size, flower shape, flower doubleness, peduncle strength, bush decorative value, flowering abundance, blooming duration, flower scent, plant distinction, plant condition. The obtained assessments were compared to the literature data to examine for compliance with the main flower characteristics of peony cultivar and to reveal distinguishing features for peony plants in Sverdlovsk region and the Central Urals. As a result, 23 peony high-opportunity cultivars and 12 appreciable cultivars were distinguished and recommended for landscape gardening in Sverdlovsk region. For high-opportunity peony cultivars introduced in the Central Urals a descriptive characteristic based on the main flower decorative features was compiled.