Sessile-leaved Uvularia

Family Colchicaceae. Occurs in moist forests and among shrubs in the temperate and subtropical zones of eastern Canada and the USA.

Plants up to 30 cm tall. Leaves sessile, oblong-elliptic, 4–8 cm long, with rough margins. Perianth segments 1.5–3 cm long, greenish-yellow, acute, smooth. Stamens half as long as the perianth. Capsule ovate in outline, narrowed at both ends, triangular in cross-section. Blooms from mid-spring to early summer.

Location: recommended for planting in shady places. In open sunny sites the plants appear stunted. Moisture-loving, but drought-tolerant from the second half of summer.

Soil: these plants grow on loose, well-moistened soils. Add sand to heavy soils, and clay to excessively porous and loose ones. The reaction should be slightly acidic.

Care: responds well to the application of mineral fertilizers. Fertilize in early spring or after flowering, applying the standard dose of fertilizer to the soil. It is also good in autumn, before winter, to add potassium to the soil.

Propagation: Uvularias are propagated in early spring or late summer by sections of rhizome with a renewal bud. The cuts on the rhizomes are best treated with garden fungicides or ash, although the rhizomes are resistant to rotting. To ensure the divisions take root, it is necessary to maintain a moist state of the soil. Transplanting is carried out at the end of summer. The plant can live in one place for many years. In seed propagation it is better to sow freshly collected seeds into the ground before winter, but they can also be sown in early spring in protected soil. Pre-sowing treatment is not required. Seedlings develop slowly. Flowering occurs in the 3rd–5th year after sowing.

Uses: all uvularias are rare, elegant, refined plants for planting in shady gardens.

based on materials from the website www.flower.onego.ru