Overview
Poa hispidula Vasey var. vivipara Hultén, also commonly known as alpine bluegrass, is a perennial herbaceous grass that is a member of the Poaceae family. It is mainly found in alpine and subalpine regions of North America, ranging from Alaska to New Mexico and California to Montana.
General Appearance
The alpine bluegrass has a clumping growth form with a maximum height of around 20 centimeters. The leaves are narrow and bluish-green in color, typically measuring from 2 to 5 millimeters in width and 5 to 12 centimeters in length. The plant produces erect culms that can reach up to 30 centimeters in length, with spiky seedheads flowering from late spring to mid-summer.
Uses
The alpine bluegrass is commonly used for erosion control and as a forage plant for grazing animals. It is also occasionally planted as an ornamental grass in gardens or landscaping. Native American tribes used the plant as a food source, where the seeds were either ground into flour for bread or eaten raw or roasted.
Cultivation and Management
The alpine bluegrass prefers well-drained soils and full to partial sun exposure. It is drought tolerant and able to withstand cold temperatures characteristic of its alpine habitat. The plant can be propagated through seeds or division of established clumps. However, due to its slow growth rate, the alpine bluegrass is not commonly cultivated commercially.
hereLight Requirements
Poa hispidula Vasey var. vivipara Hultén requires full sun to partial shade to grow well. It thrives in areas that get at least six hours of direct or filtered sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adaptable to different temperature ranges, but it grows well in regions with cool climates. The ideal temperature range for Poa hispidula Vasey var. vivipara Hultén is between 40°-75°F (4.4°-24°C).
Soil Requirements
The plant is not very picky about soil type, but it thrives in well-draining soil. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soil, but the soil must be moist and acidic or neutral (pH <7.0). When growing in containers, add some perlite or sand to improve drainage.
Cultivation methods
The Poa hispidula Vasey var. vivipara Hultén plant is native to North America, where it grows in mountainous areas, meadows, and open forests. To successfully cultivate this plant, you need to mimic these environmental conditions. The best growing conditions for Poa hispidula include full sunlight exposure, preferably in areas with cooler climates.
The plant prefers well-draining soil, so amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage and nutrient availability. This plant generally spreads slowly through underground runners, so you can plant it in rows spaced at least 12 inches apart.
Watering needs
The Poa hispidula plant prefers moist soil, but it can tolerate dry conditions. It is crucial to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot or other fungal diseases. It's best to water the plant deeply once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Fertilization
Although Poa hispidula doesn't require a lot of fertilizer, it benefits from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied during the growing season. You can use a granular fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every two to three weeks.
Remember not to fertilize newly planted Poa hispidula until it establishes itself in the new environment. Also, avoid overfertilizing the plant, as this can cause excessive growth, which can lead to weak stems and susceptibility to diseases.
Pruning
Poa hispidula is low maintenance and doesn't require pruning. However, you can clip the leaves at the end of the growing season, especially if they look unsightly, to promote new growth and maintain the plant shape. If the plants overgrow their boundary, you can gently dig them up and divide them to control their size and promote healthy growth.
Propagation of Poa hispidula Vasey var. vivipara Hultén
Poa hispidula Vasey var. vivipara Hultén, commonly known as the Alaskan Bluegrass, is a cold-tolerant, perennial grass species that is native to Alaska and other Arctic regions. The plant is often used for creating turf or as a forage crop for grazing animals. Here are some of the methods of propagating this plant:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating Poa hispidula Vasey var. vivipara Hultén is through seed propagation. The plant produces a high number of seeds that can be harvested in late summer or early fall when the seed heads turn brown. The seeds should be dried and stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring when they are ready for planting. Seed propagation can be done by broadcasting the seeds over prepared soil or by using a seed drill to plant them at a specific depth.
Vegetative Propagation
Another method of propagating Poa hispidula Vasey var. vivipara Hultén is through vegetative propagation. This method involves taking cuttings from the plant and rooting them to produce new plants. Stem cuttings can be taken from healthy plants in early spring and planted in moist, well-drained soil. The cuttings should be placed in a shady area and watered regularly until they root and begin to grow.
Division is another form of vegetative propagation, where the plant is divided into smaller sections, each with its own roots and shoots. This can be done in early spring when the plant starts to grow again after the dormant winter period. The sections should be replanted in a prepared bed, kept moist and shaded until they become established.
Disease Management
Poa hispidula Vasey var. vivipara Hultén may be susceptible to a number of diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery film on the leaves and can be controlled by removing infected leaves and applying fungicides. Rust is characterized by orange or rust-colored spots on the leaves and can be managed by removing infected leaves and applying fungicides. Leaf spots can be caused by various fungi and bacteria, and can be controlled with regular sanitation practices and use of fungicides.
Pest Management
The plant may also be affected by pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and mites. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap out of the plant, resulting in distorted growth. They can be managed by removing them with a strong jet of water, using sticky traps, and applying insecticides. Mealybugs are also sap-sucking insects that appear as white, waxy masses on the leaves and stems. They can be managed by using insecticidal soaps and oils, and by manually removing them from the plant. Mites are tiny insects that also suck sap from the plant, causing it to become discolored and dry. They can be managed with regular application of miticides and insecticides.
