Studies on Herbaceous Perennials of Kashmir Valley for Landscape Use

The present investigation entitled “Studies on Herbaceous Perennials of Kashmir Valley for Landscape Use” were conducted during the years 2006-2009 in three districts of Kashmir valley. For this purpose four representative sites were selected and observations on prominent characteristics viz. morphology, habit, habitat and mode of propagation, mature height, foliage colour and texture characteristics of flower, fruit and landscape use were recorded by making exploratory trips to these sites. The study revealed a large number of ornamental herbaceous perennials growing satisfactory in this environment. A total of 164 species belonging to 118 genera have been described. The study encompassed 82 herbaceous perennials, 53 bulbous plants and 29 ground covers. Among the taxa, studied most of the species, 52.43 per cent were of erect nature, while as 16.46 per cent belong to the spreading groups, 14.63 per cent was observed to follow mound and 8.53 per cent to clump habit, 2.43 per cent resette forming and 1.82 per cent each of mat and arching nature while as 1.21 per cent with climbing and 0.67 per cent with creeping habit. Phenological spectrum of the flora revealed maximum availability of flowers (61%) during spring followed by 19 per cent each during summer and winter whereas only 1 per cent during offseason (autumn). Among the various flower colours found maximum number (33) had yellow flowers followed by white, pink, purple, orange, blue, red, violet, offwhite, lavender, lilac, mauve, brown and magenta. A large number of species had mid green coloured foliage followed by dark green and greyish green. 4 species emitted fragrance owing to scented flowers. Based on the morphological, phenological and landscape features worked out during the present study, 120 species are recommended for borders, 81 for beds, 79 for rock garden, 51 for woodlands, 10 for pools, 6 for specimen plant, 7 for pots, 4 for pathways, 4 for backdrops, 2 for companion plants, 31 for ground covers, 13 for sunny areas and 7 for lightly shaded areas