The paper presents results of a long-term (2022–2025) introduction study of 9 varieties and a collection of 107 hybrid forms of small-flowered chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × morifolium Ramat.) in the arid conditions of the Stavropol Upland. As a result of the initial assessment of the entire hybrid fund, the most promising samples (5/2022, 10/2020), which showed high adaptability, were selected for detailed analysis. Patterns in phenological rhythms were identified, and a correlation was established between flowering time and the sum of effective temperatures (r = –0.89). Promising varieties (‘Bronze of Autumn’, ‘Wild Honey’, ‘Golden Amphora’) and hybrid samples (5/2022, 10/2020) were selected based on a set of ornamental and economic-biological traits. Hybrid forms were found to show greater resistance to extreme temperatures and moisture deficit compared to introduced varieties. The proposed list of varieties is suitable for use in landscaping arid regions of the southern part of the Russian Federation.

Shchegrinets N.V., Bagrintseva N.A.