NEW CULTIVARS OF SIBERIAN IRIS COLLECTED AT THE RUSSIAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF FLORICULTURE AND SUBTROPICAL CROPS

In 2008, the collection of Iridaceae grown at the Russian Research Institute of Floriculture and Subtropical Crops got enriched with some cultivars of Iris sibirica. The aim of the present work is to study the collection and replenish it with new cultivars of foreign and domestic breeding in the humid subtropical conditions of Russia. The studies were conducted in 2016–2018 on 12 cultivars. During the observations it was noted that soil and climatic conditions in the humid subtropical region of Russia contributed to successful introduction of Iris sibirica, regardless of the geographical origin or cultivars location. The cultivars are well adapted to local conditions, bloom abundantly in May-June and increase their vegetative mass; most cultivars set seeds. New cultivars with high decorative qualities may be used in various forms of floral design.