Origin
Polemonium chartaceum Mason, commonly called Sky pilot or P. viscosum, is a flowering plant species belonging to the Polemoniaceae family. The plant's origin is in North America, where it is found in mountainous regions from Alaska to California. It grows well in subalpine habitats at elevations of 2,000 to 4,000 meters (6,500 to 13,000 feet).
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including Sky pilot, P. viscosum, Mountain Jacob's ladder, and Chartaceous polemonium.
Uses
The plant has been used extensively by indigenous people as traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments such as head colds, chills, fevers, and respiratory ailments. In modern times, the plant is occasionally cultivated in gardens as an ornamental plant, with its striking blue flowers and delicate foliage, which can be used as an understory plant.
General Appearance
The Polemonium chartaceum Mason plant typically grows to a height of between 10-30 cm (4-12 inches) and has slender, delicate leaves. It has a branched stem, producing clusters of bell-shaped, blue flowers that bloom in early summer. The plant's flowers are approximately 0.5 -1 inch long, with five petals and a yellow center. The plant's beauty and fragrant properties attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators into the garden, making it an ideal plant for pollination projects.
Light Requirement:
Polemonium chartaceum Mason thrives best in partial shade to full sun. It requires a minimum of 4-5 hours of direct sunlight each day. Too much shade can lead to insufficient growth and poor blooms, while too much sun can cause leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirement:
The ideal temperature range for Polemonium chartaceum Mason is between 50-75°F (10-24°C). It is a hardy plant that can tolerate cold weather conditions but cannot withstand extreme heat. High temperatures exceeding 90°F (32°C) can damage the foliage and cause the plant to wilt. It is best grown in USDA hardiness zones 4-7.
Soil Requirement:
Polemonium chartaceum Mason prefers well-draining, moist, and fertile soil with a pH range between 5.5-7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loam, sandy loam, and clay. However, it cannot tolerate waterlogged or poorly-draining soils. To improve soil quality, add compost or organic matter to the soil to increase nutrient content and improve soil structure.
Cultivation Methods of Polemonium chartaceum Mason
Polemonium chartaceum Mason can grow in rich soil and thrives in partial shade to full sun. The plant grows erect and matures up to 20-60 cm and 40-80 cm wide. It is an adaptable plant and can grow in various types of soil, including sandy and clay soils.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Polemonium chartaceum Mason are moderate. Water the plant when the soil is dry to an inch deep. Ensure that the soil is well-draining as the plant does not like waterlogged soils. Overwatering the plant can lead to root rot, and underwatering can cause the plant to wilt.
Fertilization
Fertilize the Polemonium chartaceum Mason plant with a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears. After the first fertilization, follow up with another round of fertilization during the growing season to boost plant growth and promote blooming. Avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to leafy growth instead of flowers.
Pruning
Polemonium chartaceum Mason does not require frequent pruning. However, pruning can be done after the blooming season to remove dead flowers and encourage more blooming. Cut the flowering stems down to the point where there is new growth. Pruning also helps to maintain the plant's shape and size and prevent overcrowding.
Propagation of Polemonium chartaceum Mason
Polemonium chartaceum Mason, commonly known as white-leaved Jacob's ladder or chartaceous polemonium, is a herbaceous perennial plant. The plant is propagated from seeds or root divisions.
Propagation from Seeds
The seeds of Polemonium chartaceum Mason are collected in late summer or early autumn when they turn brown. The seeds are stored in a cool, dry place until spring when they are ready to be sown. The seeds are sown in a well-draining, fertile soil mixture and covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil is watered regularly to keep it moist but not waterlogged. The seeds will germinate in 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings are ready for transplantation after 6-8 weeks.
Propagation from Root Division
The plant can be propagated by root division in early spring before the start of new growth. The plant is carefully dug out of the ground, and the roots are divided into segments with a sharp knife. Each segment should have a healthy root system and a few growing points. The segments are planted in a well-draining, fertile soil mixture and watered regularly to keep the soil moist. The plant will establish within a few weeks, and new growth will appear.
Care should be taken when propagating Polemonium chartaceum Mason as it is a slow-growing plant and takes time to establish. However, once established, the plant is easy to grow and requires minimal care.
Disease Management:
While Polemonium chartaceum Mason is generally a hardy plant, it can fall prey to some fungal and bacterial diseases. The most common of these diseases are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust. Powdery mildew is characterized by white powdery growth on the leaves, while leaf spot will result in brown or black spots on the foliage, and rust will manifest as rust-colored pustules on the undersides of the leaves.
If you notice any signs of disease, remove the affected plant material immediately and dispose of it far from your garden. To minimize the occurrence of disease, water at soil level and avoid getting the leaves wet, as this can increase the likelihood of infection. Regularly pruning the plant to promote healthy growth and good air circulation around the plant can also help prevent disease.
Pest Management:
There are a few common pests that can attack Polemonium chartaceum Mason, including spider mites, aphids, and snails/slugs. Spider mites typically appear as small, red dots on the leaves and weave webs across the foliage, while aphids will be visible on the undersides of leaves, feeding on the sap of the plant. Snails and slugs will leave slime trails as they crawl and will graze on leaves, often leaving large holes in the foliage.
To manage spider mites and aphids, you can release beneficial insects, such as ladybugs or lacewings, into your garden to feed on them. Alternatively, you can spray the plant with a mixture of neem oil and water or insecticidal soap to get rid of the pests. To control snails and slugs, hand picking or setting up beer traps can be effective.
