Smilacin is an unpretentious stunted perennial with oval or elongated leaves. Belongs to the lily of the valley family and has more than 25 varieties.
Used for landscaping the garden. Many varieties quickly form a solid green carpet. It coexists well with other herbaceous plants and shrubs, so it can be used in the preparation of complex compositions on the flowerbed.
Description
Smilacins have a branched root system and quickly form processes, thanks to which it quickly occupies all the free space.
The leaves are light green and have longitudinal streaks. Foliage is attached to the stem sequentially evenly along the entire length, petioles practically do not form.
The top of the stem is decorated with a small panicle with several small flowers of white or purple. In one bud, 6 petals and stamens develop, as well as one ovary. After flowering, a large juicy berry with 1-3 seeds is formed.
Among gardeners the most popular racemose smilacin for large inflorescences and high decorative properties. Its homeland is the moderately warm and humid forests of the USA and Canada. A thick branched root system with fleshy processes feeds the upper part.
The stem grows from 30 to 90 cm in height. It is covered with small hairs and large leaves, which can be up to 15 pieces. The width of the leaves is 2-5 cm, and the length is 5-20 cm.
Flowers are collected on a rather large and lush panicle 5-15 cm high, which has an elongated or conical shape. In addition to the main rod, there are diagonal elastic branches strewn with flowers. The flowers are small, their size is 2-4 mm. Flowering begins in late April and lasts until the end of June. Then the ripening of the fruits begins. The poured berry is 4-6 mm in diameter. The fruit with pale red skin exudes a pleasant aroma.
Other cultivars of smilacin are also cultivated:
- Smilacin Daurian - a plant with finer foliage and fewer flowers. Used to create a green cover in the garden;
- hairy smilacin - It has several large large leaves and a branched panicle. The stem, peduncle and base of the leaves are slightly pubescent;
- smilacin purple - a tall plant with lanceolate leaves and fairly large (6-8 mm) purple flowers.
Cultivation and care
Smilacins predominate in the forest area, so they tolerate moist loamy and heavy soils. They need to be planted in shady or light shady areas of the garden. Prefers dampness and frequent watering, but without stagnation of water. Periodically, fertilizers should be applied and fed with deciduous humus. Compost leaves are also added to the water for irrigation.
Soils are preferred acidic or neutral, the plant does not tolerate alkaline conditions and the presence of lime in the soil. The root system easily withstands frosts and winters of a temperate climate, additional warming is not required.
Propagated by the vegetative and seed method, although seedlings develop poorly and begin to bloom only in the fourth year. Sowing is carried out in mid-autumn or early spring. When dividing the rhizome, smilacin quickly builds up strength.
