Abstract
Relevance. The biological features were studied, the average dates of the beginning, end and duration of the phenological phases of growth and development of species, forms and varieties of the genus Clematis (Clematis L.) were established. The assortment of small-flowered clematis for cultivation in the soil and climatic conditions of the Stavropol upland, characterized by high decorative properties, resistance to drought, pests and diseases, is highlighted.Methods. The object of research is small-flowered species, forms and varieties of the genus Clematis L., cultivated in the collection of the Stavropol Botanical Garden. The studies were conducted in 2012–2021 according to the methods of variety study and evaluation of the decorative qualities of clematis species and varieties.Results. The dates of the beginning and end of the growth of shoots are determined. According to the duration of shoot growth, all taxa are divided into groups: with a short growth period (38–51 days), medium (60–79 days); long (90–126 days). According to the timing of the beginning of flowering, the studied taxa are classified into five groups, most of them are included in the groups of early summer and summer flowering. According to the duration of flowering, three groups are distinguished — with short flowering, up to 30 days (C. jubata Bsch., C. recta L., C. recta f. atropurpurea, C. terniflora DC.); medium, from 41 to 60 days (С. fusca Turcz., C. ‘Bryzgi Morja’, C. integrifolia L., C. orientalis L., C. serratifolia Rehder, C. tangutica (Maxim.) Korsh., C. virginiana L., C. viticella L., C. viticella f. rosea); long-lasting, more than 60 days (C. ‘Fargesioides’, C. heracleifolia DC., C. hexapetala DC.).