Blossled nearly 900 varieties and species

884 peonies are currently grown in the Botanical Garden – both species and breeds. Most of them are attributed to the Hybrids and Hybrids of the Hybrids and Hybrids of the Great Peonia (Paeonia Lactiflora). As Ž. Bashkiene, these plants not only delight the flowers, but also surprise the variety of leaf shapes and colors, and some – and especially early or extremely long flowering.

The Botanical Garden pays great attention to the storage and presentation of Lithuanian selection. Since 2019 The exposition of peonies derived from Lithuanian breeders is being created here, which is complemented by new breeds every year. Today, 72 varieties of Lithuanian origin are already grown in the garden, including dr. Ona Skivienė, Jonas Evaldas Tarvidas, Emilija Tarvidienė, Francis Puidokas, Semion Eicher -Lorka, Kęstutis Vyšniauskas, Viktorija Vyšniauskienė and dr. Peonies created by Arūnas Balsevičius. As many as 46 of these varieties are included in the national genetic resources of plants.

Photo by Sender Senders

2024. A special exposition has been opened, where visitors can compare the varieties taken by VMU Botanical Garden and their « ancestors » of their origin. A group of semi -woody peonies, whose representatives are distinguished by ornate, finely broken leaves and highly decorative rings, are also attracted. The exposition can also find species of peonies coming from other botanical gardens – their seeds were received in exchange or donated by Sacartwell and Latvia.

This year’s news is the « Alkaja », the first and so far the only peony breed (author Rea Peltola), which blooms in the first season in the garden. It was received after Erasmus +’s visit to the Helsinki University Botanical Garden. The new variety of VMU Botanical Garden – Estonian Snow (registered in 2023) and Latvian Rain (registered in 2024), whose author – dr. Arūnas Balsevičius.

Photo by Sender Senders

It looks impressive in 2023. The Baltic Selection Exposition was founded, presented by the Breeds of Estonian and Latvian breeders – Sulev Savisaar, Marika Gatela, Edgars Bite and Janis Dukalskis. Some of them, such as Benita, toevo Kurme, Loviise, are extremely rare and unique.

« Each breed has its own story and journey, and our goal is to preserve it and show it to visitors, » said Ž. Bashkiene. According to her, peonies are not only one of the most beautiful, but also some of the most durable garden plants: it can grow and bloom in the same place for more than 20 years.