EVALUATION OF SEASONAL ORNAMENTAL QUALITIES OF RHODODENDRONS IN THE ARBORETUM
On the basis of methods proposed by N.V. Kotelova and O.N. Vinogradova, ornamental qualities of 8 species and 2 forms of the genus Rhododendron growing in the arboretum of Mountain-Taiga Station, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, were evaluated. On the basis of phenological observations carried out every month during the whole year, we evaluated such characters of plants as trunk and crown architectonics; ornamental qualities of leaves, flowers or inflorescences, and fruits; color and texture of bark, trunk and shoots. Each ornamental character was evaluated on the 5-point scale. For each character, taking into consideration emotional impact in terms of intensity and duration, the conversion coefficient has been established that reflects its importance. Evaluation results are represented as diagrams, which give an idea of seasonal ornamental dynamics during the year. The integrated assessment of ornamental qualities allows us to divide plants into three groups: most ornamental (5 points), very ornamental (4 points) and ornamental (3 points).