Abstract: 【Objective】To analyze the contents of anthocyanins and carotenoids in Paeonia lactiflora of different color series,and to provide a reference for the breeding of superior varieties of P. lactiflora.【Methods】Twelve P. lactiflora varieties were used as experimental materials. The flower colors of P. lactiflora was classified by the Munsell color system,and the contents of anthocyanins and carotenoids were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography.【Results】The twelve P. lactiflora varieties were classified into four color series：yellow,red,purple and white. The contents of anthocyanins and carotenoids in the petals of P. lactiflora from different color series were significantly different. The content of peonidin-3-O-glucoside was highest in the red series variety Red Charm（95 575.1 ng/g）,while the cyanidin content was highest in the red series variety Golden Sunshine（60 987.1 ng/g）. The total anthocyanin content in the yellow series was generally low（3 810.8-26 755.6 ng/g）. In the red series,lutein content was highest in Coral（37.55 μg/g）. In the purple series,lutein content was highest in Red Fuji（124.86 μg/g）,and β-carotene content was highest in Oriental Girl（1.49 μg/g）. In the white series variety Shy Queen,pelargonidin,pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside,α-carotene,and zeaxanthin were absent,and the β-carotene content was low（0.20 μg/g）.【Conclusion】Differences in the types,contents,and proportions of anthocyanins and carotenoids collectively contribute to the formation of flower color in P. lactiflora. Anthocyanin monomers content in yellow series P. lactiflora are distributed relatively evenly;peonidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin are the main coloring factors in red series P. lactiflora;lutein and β-carotene have a synergistic effect on purple coloration;and white series P. lactiflora are relatively absent in both anthocyanins and carotenoids.

Key words: Paeonia lactiflora, Flower color, Anthocyanin, Carotenoid