Open Access

ARTICLE

Anthocyanin Profile and Color Diversity in Paeonia: From Phytochemical Analysis to Aesthetic Preferences

Abel Bala¹, Monica Hârţa^1,*, Doina Clapa¹, Floricuţa Ranga², Doina Angela Pui³, Mirela Irina Cordea^1,*

1 Faculty of Horticulture and Business in Rural Development, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2 Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
3 Al. Borza Botanical Garden, University of Babeş-Bolyai Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

* Corresponding Authors: Monica Hârţa. Email: ; Mirela Irina Cordea. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Flowering Plants: Their History, Cultivation Methods, Biology, and Impact on Well-being)

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany 2026, 95(7), 9 https://doi.org/10.32604/phyton.2026.083046

Received 27 March 2026; Accepted 01 June 2026; Issue published 30 July 2026

Abstract

This study presents an interdisciplinary approach to the chromatic diversity of the genus Paeonia, combining quantitative colorimetric analysis (CIELab and RHS systems) with biochemical profiling of anthocyanins across 14 genotypes. The results indicate a correlation between the biochemical composition of the petals and their visual appearance, suggesting that the intensity and distribution of certain pigments—mainly cyanidin and peonidin derivatives—determine the hue and saturation of the flowers. HPLC analysis revealed quantitative variation in pigmentation: dark-red genotypes showed high levels of anthocyanins (e.g., P. tenuifolia ‘Flore-Plena’), whereas these compounds were not detected in yellow genotypes. In parallel, the evaluation of aesthetic preferences revealed a public bias toward pink shades and bicolor variants, highlighting the importance of shape and fragrance in the perception of ornamental quality. By correlating analytical data with visual attractiveness factors, the study provides relevant information for future selection strategies aimed at developing varieties that align phytochemical characteristics with the requirements of the ornamental market.

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Keywords

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Supplementary Material

Supplementary Material File

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