Objective   A variety of Paeonia lactiflora imported from abroad were evaluated for landscaping in Yangzhou, Jiangsu and for germplasm collection.

  Method   The adaptability, characteristics, and ornamental quality of 21 peony varieties from foreign countries were examined based upon 12 selected criteria for a comprehensive evaluation using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Scores on the criteria were used to grade each variety for selection. Result The weighing of the scores on heat damage index, flower posture, bud differentiation, and florescence of single flower were more heavily among all indicators at 0.4180, 0.1496, 0.1393, and 0.0898, respectively. Of the 21 varieties, 8 (e.g., Peter Brand) scored greater than 3.5 were classified as Grade I and considered appropriated for promotion and application in the region; 6 (e.g., Buckeye Belle) between 3.0 and 3.5 as potentially applicable Grade II; and 7 (e.g., Teenage Boy) below 3.0 as Grade III not recommended for the introduction.

  Conclusion   The comprehensive evaluation using the analytic hierarchy process classified the 21 peony germplasms for resource collection and introduction for landscape in Yangzhou and the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River regions.