CLEMATIS IN URBAN LANDSCAPES OF POLTAVA: VARIETY AND MORPHOLOGICAL PROFILE

The study presents the results of research on the variety of clematis grown in the urban landscapes of Poltava. It was found that the varieties studied are the result of the work of breeding centers in the United Kingdom, Poland and the Netherlands (each comprising 20%), as well as Japan and Sweden (each comprising 10%), and Germany, France, Estonia and Ukraine (each comprising 5%). It was found that preference is given to well-known varieties that have been cultivated in Ukraine for a long time: 5 varieties have been known since the 19th century (Netherlands – 2, the United Kingdom, France and Sweden – 1 each), and 11 varieties since the second half of the 20th century. (Poland – 4, the United Kingdom – 3, Estonia, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Japan and Sweden – 1 each). The modern varieties (XXI century) include 2 varieties from the Netherlands and Germany. The studied clematis varieties differ by taxonomic position and geographical origin. Based on natural distribution areas, European-bred varieties dominate the sample, with only one representing Japanese selection. It was found that the varieties belong to four horticultural groups: Patens, Florida, Viticella, and Jackmanii. Their quantitative composition is heterogeneous: 10 varieties (50% of the total number of the studied varieties) belong to the Patens group; 5 varieties (25%) to Jackmanii; 3 varieties (15%) to Viticella; and 2 varieties (10%) to Florida. Data from route surveys enabled the grouping of clematis varieties by pruning groups. Attention is drawn to the fact that mainly varieties of the 2nd and 3rd pruning groups are grown. The third group includes 4 varieties: Mefistofel, Polish Spirit, Ville de Lyon, and Rosamunde.Nelly Moser, Liberty, and Mrs Cholmondeley belong to both the 2nd and 3rd groups. The remaining varieties fall into the 2nd pruning group. It was established that all varieties studied are deciduous shrub vines, differing in height. The tall varieties (vines up to 4 meters) include Mefistofel, Jan Pawel II, Polish Spirit, Ville de Lyon and Mrs Cholmondeley. Piilu and Rosamunde are characterized by shoots up to 1.5 meters in length and are considered short. The rest of the varieties have medium-length shoots. The varieties studied by us grow well in the region of the research, therefore, they are recommended to be integrated into the practice of sustainable horticulture.