Comparative evaluation of Iris xiphium L. varieties in the central zone of the Krasnodar region

Abstract. The assortment of early-flowering perennial flower crops used in landscape compositions is currently extremely limited. Xiphium (Iris xiphium L.) will diversify the palette of floral ornaments in the early spring period due to the different color, flower shape, and texture of the perianth lobes. However, there is no information on the results of scientific research with this crop aimed at establishing the adaptation of varieties to specific edaphoclimatic conditions, which determined the purpose of the work: to conduct a comparative assessment of Xiphium varieties in the central zone of the Krasnodar region. Varieties were evaluated by the timing and duration of flowering, plant height, length of peduncle and inflorescence, foliage, and flower size. The objects of research were 4 varieties of xiphium of Dutch breeding: Harmony, Carmen, Lion King, Royal Yellow. Scientific research was carried out in accordance with the methods used in floriculture. The studied varieties of Xiphium differed in the duration of interphase periods and flowering periods, which contributed to obtaining a conveyor of flowering products from the third decade of March to the third decade of May. In terms of plant height, the varieties belonged to 2 groups: medium in height (35-55 cm) – Harmony and Lion King and tall (55-70 cm) – Royal Yellow and Carmen. In terms of the length of the peduncle, all varieties turned out to be suitable for growing on a cut or composing various flower arrangements. The largest flower was noted in the Carmen variety, with a height of 7.3 cm and a diameter of 11.2 cm. The obtained results allow us to conclude that the conditions of the central zone of the Krasnodar region are favorable for the cultivation of xiphium, and therefore this crop should be included in the assortment of perennial flowering plants of the early flowering period. All the studied varieties of xiphium are suitable for use in landscaping according to a set of indicators, for the production of cut products it is advisable to grow Royal Yellow and Carmen. Keywords: Iris xiphium L., variety, early flowering, ornamental qualities.