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Among 2000 varieties of peony collected from the world, eighty one varieties were selected at first by visual evaluation based on general appearance of plant. Those selected were measured for more detailed characteristics such as type of leaf, color, shape, type and size of flower-cluster, number and size of petal, color, length, number of stamen, and flowering date. Nine varieties were finally chosen as the most suitable varieties for three different purpose in use. They were President Taft, Bowl of Cream, Cincinnati and Sarah Bernhardt for cut flower, Diana Park, Gerry and Nice Gal for garden perennial, and Karen Gray, China Rose and Nice Gal for pot plant. Their flower types were double or semi-double, which acted as a most influential factor on selections. Other good points found in selected varieties were longer stem over 70cm, thicker flower stalk and no spray on stalk for use of the cut flower, leafy branch and higher number of flower cluster for the garden plant, and relatively short in height, clean leaf and especially good-looking flower for the pot plant, respectively.
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