WINTER RESISTANCE AND ORNAMENTAL FEATURES IN HYDRANGEA L. CULTIVARS AT FOREST STEPPE CONDITIONS OF ALTAI REGION

The paper observed winter resistance of six introduced Hydrangea L. cultivars at forest steppe conditions of Altay region. It was found out that ‘Pinky Winky’ cultivar that belongs to H. paniculata is the most winter-resistant. ‘Limelight’ cultivar of H. paniculata is less winter-resistant. ‘Bella Anna’ that belongs to H. arborescens, as well as ‘Kyushu’, ‘Tardiva’ and ‘Vanille Fraise’ that belong to H. paniculata are completely unstable. Hydrangea L. cultivars have a flowering period ranging from the third-ten day festival of July till the second tenday festival of October. All cultivars except for ‘Vanille Fraise’ of H. paniculata are recommended for ornamental purposes at Altai region.