Some rare ornamentals of the family <i>Convallariaceae</i> Horan. in shady gardens
The paper presents the investigation results on introducing six rare plants from the family Convallariaceae. These are Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All., Polygonatum humile Fisch. ex Maxim, Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce, Polygonatum falcatum A. Gray f. variegatum, Smilacina stellata (L.) Desf., and Disporum smilacinum A. Gray. They fall into the category of shade-loving plants. Consideration is given to the features of their seasonal rhythm of development, morphometric parameters and degrees of the speciess success under cultivation conditions. The species of the genus Polygonatum are long-term vegetative spring-summer-autumn green plants with a period of winter dormancy, whereas Smilacina stellata, Disporum smilacinum are short-term vegetative spring-summer green plants with a period of autumn-winter dormancy. All species have spring awakening and middle to long periods of bloom in mid-spring. The species Polygonatum multiflorum is the most robust in habit, with its generative sprout 86.4 cm high. Also, it has the greatest number of flowers per sprout (31.6). The shortest species is Polygonatum humile (13.5 cm). The coefficient of variation in these species is at a common rate. The species are promising for introduction under the conditions of the Bashkir Cis-Urals and can be recommended for shady places.