Abstract:The aim was to establish an evaluation system to screen tulip varieties with good growth adaptability and high ornamental value, which are suitable for landscape application. Twenty-nine imported varieties of Tulipa gesneriana were introduced and planted in Shanghai, the phenological period, 12 growth characteristics (plant height, plant width, etc.), and 32 ornamental characteristics (flower uniformity, flower type, flower color, etc.) were observed and measured. From all observed characteristics, 27 evaluation indexes (flowering uniformity, flower color, flower color uniformity, etc.) were further chosen to establish a comprehensive evaluation system based on AHP (analytical hierarchy process) and GRA (grey relation analysis). The results showed that 29 varieties could be divided into 4 grades according the comprehensive evaluation, grade I included 10 varieties, grade II had 12 varieties, grade III and IV only 4 and 3 varieties, respectively. The varieties in grade I and II generally possessed high ornamental value and strong adaptability, which were suitable for popularization and application in landscaping in Shanghai and surrounding areas in the future. These had an important guide in screening suitable tulip varieties for gardens in Shanghai and surrounding areas. The established evaluation system also has a positive reference significance for evaluating the application of other tulip varieties in landscape.
