Effect of shades on growth and physiological characteristics of 10 species of wild ornamental plants in Lanzhou

To investigate the ecological adaptability of wild flower under different shade conditions and seek appropriate shading proportions, the effects of different light intensity (full light, 25%, 50%, 70% shading) were tested on the growth and physiological and biochemical characteristics of 10 species of wild ornamental plants around Lanzhou City. The results showed that water content increased with the increase of shading on Hypecoum erectum and Caltha palustris. The dry weight of Anemone rivularis was higher in 75% shading, and the difference was significant compared with the other treatments (P<0.05). Soluble sugar content decreased with increasing shading on Clematis florida, and chlorophyll content of P. anserine, H. erectum, Geum aleppicum, and C. palustris increased with increasing shading. The content of MDA was significantly higher than other treatments (P<0.05) under full light condition in F. orientalis, H. erectum, and C. palustris. Similarly, MDA contents of Anaphalis sinica and G. aleppicum in 75% shading were higher than other treatments. To sum up, full light was more suitable for the growth of A. sinica, P. chinensis, C. florida and A. vitifolia; P. anserine, A. rivularis, F. orientalis, H. erectum, and G. aleppicum could endure moderate shading; C. palustris was suitable for growing under shading condition.