Establishing ornamental flower meadow with bulb and perennial by sowing in North China.

摘要

The aim of this study was to see whether it was possible to produce a cost effective, sustainable, and attractive flower meadow of bulb and perennial in North China. 14 species flowers, including 8 perennials and one bulb, were selected for the study on the basis of attractive flowers. Key variables in the study were, seed size (large seed, intermediate seed and small seed), sowing rate (600 and 1200 seeds/m2) and sowing condition (lab, greenhouse and field). Prior to sowing in greenhouse and field the plants were classified into 5 groups on seed size and germination rate, each group includes 3 species. The experiments showed that seed size had a significant influence on the seedling germination, survival and height growth rate. Large seed demonstrated significantly higher than either middle or small seed. Sowing rate did not significantly increase seedling germination and survival, but it did increase the seedling height growth. 1200 seeds/m2 was 1.5 times of 600 seeds/m2 in height growth rate. Sowing condition had a significant influence on the seedling germination. From lab to greenhouse to field, the germination rate reduced and the time of germination decreased. For establishing an attractive landscape, sowing rates of large seed in the field could be twice of the lab, and 9 times in the case of middle and small seed. Compared with 2010, sown forb density was decrease, but sown height and crown width were increased in 2011. The most successful species which could establish by sowing and keeping the sight above 2 years were: Echinacea purpurea 'Alba', Dianthus chinensis, Thalictrum petaloideum, Rudbeckia hybrida, Iris halophile, and Allium caeruleum.