Freesia refracta collection in the Russian Research Institute of Floriculture and Subtropical Crops and prospects for its expansion

The article considers the history of Freesia refracta(Jacq.) Klatt introduction into the conditions of the Russian humid subtropics. There are some data about the collection composition in the Russian Research Institute of Floriculture and Subtropical Crops, including its analysis on the shape and colour of the flower, flowering time in the season, susceptibility to mosaic virus and resistance to unfavorable temperature conditions. The analysis of the world collection of freesia modern cultivars, distinguished by high ornamental and economically valuable characteristics, was carried out, and the most promising cultivars for collection replenishment in the Russian humid subtropics were identified.