Overview
Poa alpina L. var. vivipara L., commonly known as Alpine Poa, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a hardy plant that can be found in high-altitude regions all over the world.
Origin
The Alpine Poa is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It is commonly found in alpine and arctic habitats, where it thrives in harsh weather conditions with low temperatures. It has adapted to survive in rocky and gravelly soils, making it a valuable plant in areas with poor soil conditions.
Common Names
The Alpine Poa has several common names, including Alpine Bluegrass, Viviparous Fescue, and Viviparous Alpine Meadow-grass. The name 'vivipara' comes from its unusual way of reproducing through vivipary or the development of seeds inside the mother plant's flower before it even falls off the stem.
Uses
The Alpine Poa has several uses in different areas. In landscaping and gardening, it is used as an ornamental plant for its delicate flowers and grassy foliage. In some regions, it is also used for erosion control, as its deep roots help stabilize soil. Additionally, the grass is used as a food source for alpine species of wildlife, such as mountain goats or sheep.
Appearance
The Alpine Poa is a perennial grass that grows up to 25 centimeters in height. The leaves of the plant are long and narrow, measuring 2-4 mm wide and 5-25 cm long, with a bluish-green color. The flowerheads are dense, with spikes that are typically 1-2 cm long and can vary in color from green to brown or purplish-brown. The seeds produced by Alpine Poa are about 2-4 mm long and carried at the end of a slender stalk.
Light Requirements
Poa alpina L. var. vivipara L. is a plant that requires moderate to high levels of light to grow. It does well in both full sun and partly shaded areas. However, it may not do well in areas with prolonged periods of full shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant typically grows in cold regions, including alpine, subarctic, and arctic regions. As such, it prefers cool to cold temperatures. It can tolerate low temperatures, with the optimal temperature range being between 5-10°C. However, it can also tolerate temperatures well below freezing for extended periods, which is essential because of its habitat.
Soil Requirements
Poa alpina L. var. vivipara L. is a plant that can grow in a wide range of soil types. It thrives in moist, well-draining soils with a pH of between 6.5 to 7.5. It prefers soils rich in organic matter and with adequate nutrients. However, it can also tolerate nutrient-poor soils, including rock crevices and gravel.
Cultivation
Poa alpina L. var. vivipara L. is a hardy plant that thrives well in cold and harsh environments. The plant is perfect for high-altitude gardens, rock gardens, and pots. It grows best in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
If growing the plant from seeds, start the seedlings in late spring or early autumn. Sow the seeds on the soil surface and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The seeds will take about two to three weeks to germinate.
Once the seedlings are established, transplant them in well-draining soil. Space the plants 6 to 12 inches apart. Poa alpina L. var. vivipara L. requires full sun to partial shade to grow.
Watering
Poa alpina L. var. vivipara L. requires moderate watering. Water the plants once the top inch of the soil is dry. Avoid over-watering the plants as it can lead to root rot.
The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive long periods of dry weather. However, it is essential to water the plant regularly during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
Fertilization
Poa alpina L. var. vivipara L. does not require fertilizer to grow. However, to promote healthy growth and blooming, you can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that is low in nitrogen.
Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can lead to burning of the roots and leaves.
Pruning
Poa alpina L. var. vivipara L. does not require pruning to grow. However, you can shear the plants after blooming to maintain a tidy shape. Remove any dead or yellow leaves regularly to promote healthy growth.
Ensure you use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid injuring the plant. Avoid pruning the plant during the winter months as it can damage the plant.
Propagation of Poa alpina L. var. vivipara L.
The Poa alpina L. var. vivipara L., commonly known as Alpine bluegrass, can be propagated through seeds, vegetative reproduction, or division.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds should be sown during the late summer or early autumn in well-drained soil. The soil should be kept moist during germination, which can take up to two weeks. Poa alpina L. var. vivipara L. seeds generally have a high germination rate, and seedlings can be transplanted once they have developed their second set of leaves.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Poa alpina L. var. vivipara L. involves the use of stolons or runners. The stolons or runners can be used to plant new plants by rooting them into the soil. Care must be taken to ensure that the plants have sufficient moisture during the rooting process. Once rooted, the new plants can be separated and transplanted to their final growing location.
Division
Propagation through division is relatively easy with Poa alpina L. var. vivipara L. It can be divided during its dormant season in early spring, and each section should contain at least one healthy root and shoot. The divided sections should be replanted immediately in well-drained soil and kept moist until they are established.
Disease Management
Poa alpina L. var. vivipara L. is susceptible to various fungal, viral, and bacterial diseases. Here are some common diseases and their respective management strategies:
Poa alpina stripe virus (PASV)
PASV is a viral disease that causes yellowish streaks on the leaves and deteriorates the plant's overall health. The disease is transmitted through infected seedlings, plant debris, or soil. To manage PASV, it is crucial to employ strict sanitation practices, including removing the infected plant and nearby weeds while avoiding plant stress factors such as drought by regularly watering.
Fusarium patch disease
This fungal disease causes brown patches on the leaves and may predispose the plant to other diseases. Management strategies involve reducing the duration of leaf wetness by watering early in the day, proper drainage, removing plant debris, and using resistance cultivars where available.
Pest Management
Poa alpina L. var. vivipara L. is commonly attacked by pests such as insects and mites, which may cause severe harm if not managed properly. Here are some common pests and their respective management strategies:
Meadow Vole
Meadow voles often feed on plant roots, leading to stunted plant growth or plant death. To control them, use snap traps or maintain proper cleanliness by removing any clutters around the garden.
Cutworms
Cutworms feed on seedlings, causing wilting or death. Controlled measures may include handpicking, cutworm collars, or using pesticides when necessary.
By following these strategies, gardeners can help keep their Poa alpina L. var. vivipara L. healthy, pest-free, and vigorously producing.
