INTRODUCING ARBORVITAE CULTIVARS (THUJA L.) IN THE SOUTH OF RUSSIA

The paper presents a comprehensive assessment of the new following arborvitae (Thuja L.) cultivars: ‘Brabant’, ‘Degroots Spire’, ‘Malonyana’, ‘Mini Smaragd’, ‘Atrovirens’, ‘Can-Can’ and ‘Dura’, introduced in Krasnodar region by the main adaptive features and ornamental properties. It was found out that arborvitae ornamental indices in each cultivar are determined by varietal specificity, especially by relative resistance to diseases and abiotic stress factors under specific growth conditions. The most adaptive arborvitae cultivars: ‘Degroots Spire’, ‘Mini Smaragd’, ‘Atrovirens’ and ‘Dura’, combining high ornamental indices (architectonics of the crown, color and aroma of the needles, ornamental period, etc.) were identified as being highly adaptive and ornamental; they are recommended to expand the regional arborvitae assortment and to be widely used in gardening in the South of Russia.