ISHS Acta Horticulturae 572: XX International Eucarpia Symposium, Section Ornamentals, Strategies for New Ornamentals - Part II
MORPHOLOGICAL ASPECTS FOR SELECTING NEW BEDDING PLANTS |
| Author: | S. Vabrit |
| Keywords: | habit of plants, ornamental value, PAR, Anoda cristata, Dracocephalum moldavica, Verbena canadensis |
| Abstract:
Morphological properties are the first factors considered when choosing new ornamental plants. For bedding plants thick foliage and rich in blooming are traditionally appreciated. However, plants with modest growth habit may form a very decorative group if planted in great numbers. Therefore, to determine the suitability of a species for bedding purposes, not only single plant should be evaluated. Data collected during several years from the experimental collection of many ornamental bedding plants form the basis of this research. All species were planted in groups, with minimum 30 plants in each. The evaluations of decorative properties of species were analysed per group. In addition to height, number and diameter of flowers, thickness of a plant group were considered as an important property. Thickness was characterized by the vertical distribution of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) in a plant group. New aspects to be followed in choosing species suitable for bedding plants and some methods to be used in comparing new bedding plants are discussed. | |
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