Recent additions to the collection funds of Botanic Garden of Petrozavodsk State University. Perennial ornamental plants

Most important task for the botanical gardens is the introduction of new species, forms and cultivars of useful plants. This study summarizes the results of the first stages of the introduction of 255 species of perennial herbaceous plants new to Karelia in Botanic Garden of Petrozavodsk State University. The seeds of hardy plants (USDA zones 3-4) were received from 97 botanical gardens in the world. Species belong to 27 families. Geographic area of investigated plants covers different regions of Asia-Temperate, Europe and North America. Several species are rare and endangered of habitat within areas of natural distribution. Some species are rarely used in horticultural crops in Russia and are suggest for gardens and parks. Investigated plants will be placed to the following thematic departments of Botanical Garden: "Shadow Garden" - 41 species, "Sunny Garden" - 80 species (22 species of them may be used for the geographic exposure "American prairie"), exposure of Arcto-Alpine flora - 86 species, exposure of spicy plants - 16 species etc. The most of species will be perspective to the landscape gardening in Karelia.