Yulia Rusakova-Shirokikh
Country:
Russia, city of Tver (NW of Moscow)
Short biography:
I am married and have a daughter. I am 41 years old.
More information:
Peony hybridizers series
Modniza (Rusakova)
How did you first get involved in peony hybridizing?
I first began hybridizing in 2014, sowing seeds from Sunny Girl and P. lactiflora varieties. In the following years, I crossed various varieties and species of peonies.
What are your goals in hybridizing peonies?
My goal is to revive domestic (Russian) breeding.
I try to develop varieties of peonies that meet the following characteristics: strong stems, large flowers, and a beautiful shape.
Do you mostly depend on open pollination or do you mostly make controlled crosses?
| 100% open | 50/50 | 100% controlled |
How large is your hybridizing program?
I perform about 100 crosses, the rest are open pollination. I sow about 3,000 seeds annually. I currently have over 5,000 seedlings (plants).
Do you have any plants in the market?
Information about my varieties can be found in the National Register of Varieties and Seedlings, as well as in its supplementary issues.
Can you describe a few of your plants that you consider the best or most beautiful and which are available now?
These photos are of my variety “Slivki”. It has a symmetrical, large, densely double flower. The stems are strong.
These photos are of my variety “Modniza”. Large, delicate, on strong stems.
Within your current seedlings, what are the most promising ones?
Are you in contact or working together with other peony hybridizers?
I communicate with other hybridization specialists like Voroshilova Anna and Pikul Viktoria; we exchange pollen. We share knowledge and developments.
Do you have unregistered plants that are not good enough to introduce but have something ‘special’?
I have one seedling, C-02-14. It has a beautiful and unusual flower, but the stems are twisted. I’m using it for further hybridization to achieve strong stems and similar blooms.
Final question. Any remarks or suggestions you may have…
Thank you very much for your well-wishes! We look forward to seeing you at our exhibitions in Moscow once the dust settles.
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