Origin
Polemonium occidentale Greene ssp. typicum Wherry, commonly known as sky pilot or western polemonium, is native to western North America. Its range includes parts of western United States and Canada, particularly in the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Cascade Range.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as sky pilot, western polemonium, or most commonly as Jacobs-ladder.
Uses
Polemonium occidentale Greene ssp. typicum Wherry has many medicinal uses and it has been used to treat various illnesses by the Native Americans. The plant is known for its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and wound-healing properties. The leaves of the plant can be brewed to make a tea, which can help with respiratory infections, coughs, and fevers. The roots have been used to make a poultice to help with skin inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, the plant is also known for its ornamental value, and is cultivated for its attractive blue or purple flowers.
General Appearance
Polemonium occidentale Greene ssp. typicum Wherry is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 30 cm tall. The plant has a branching stem and its leaves are pinnately compound, with leaflets arranged in pairs along the stem. The plant produces small tubular flowers that are either blue or purple in color, with five petals and yellow stamens. The flowers are borne in clusters at the top of the stem and bloom from spring to early summer.
Light Requirements
The Polemonium occidentale Greene ssp. typicum Wherry plant requires full sun to partial shade conditions to flourish. In areas with hot summers or high temperatures, it is advisable to plant the species in areas with partial shade to protect them from the intense heat.
Temperature Requirements
The Polemonium occidentale Greene ssp. typicum Wherry plant can grow in different temperature conditions. However, it typically thrives in cooler environments with temperature range from 60-75°F. The species is well adapted to the cooler temperatures that characterize mountains, subalpine, and alpine habitats, which is why it's commonly found in these areas
Soil Requirements
The Polemonium occidentale Greene ssp. typicum Wherry plant prefers well-drained soils, sometimes rocky and on the acidic side. The species typically requires a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5. The soil must be rich in organic matter and highly absorbent, as the plant could die in cases of waterlogging. The environmental conditions must also ensure that the humidity levels remain moderate to high to maintain a suitable growth environment for the plant.
Cultivation
Polemonium occidentale Greene ssp. typicum Wherry, commonly known as Western polemonium, is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to western North America. This plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is best grown in a location that receives full to partial sun.
You can either plant Western polemonium seeds or plant divisions in spring or fall. When planting seeds, sow them directly into the soil. When planting divisions, make sure to plant them at the same depth as they were in the original container or garden bed.
Watering Needs
Western polemonium requires moderate watering. It is essential to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause the plant's roots to rot, leading to its death. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.
Fertilization
Western polemonium does not require heavy fertilization. However, adding an organic source of fertilizer, such as compost, during the growing season may improve its overall health and promote blooming. Apply the compost around the base of the plant and gently work it into the soil to avoid damaging the plant's roots.
Pruning
Western polemonium plants do not require extensive pruning. You can prune the plant once the bloom period has ended to remove any dead flowers and foliage. This ensures that the plant focuses its energy on producing new blooms rather than maintaining dead plant parts. Additionally, pruning can help keep the plant's shape and size in check.
Propagation of Polemonium occidentale Greene ssp. typicum Wherry
Polemonium occidentale Greene ssp. typicum Wherry, commonly known as western polemonium or showy Jacob’s-ladder, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to North America. It produces stunning blue-purple flowers and has a clump-forming growth habit. The plant is best propagated using seeds and division.
Propagation by seeds
The easiest and most common way to propagate Polemonium occidentale is through seed propagation. The seeds need to be planted in late fall or early spring in moist, well-drained soil. The seeds should be barely covered with soil and they will germinate within two to four weeks. To ensure successful germination, the soil should be kept moist, but not overly wet. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted to their permanent location in the garden.
Propagation by division
Polemonium occidentale can also be propagated by division. The ideal time for division is in the spring when new growth appears. To propagate through division, carefully dig up the plant and use a sharp knife or garden shears to separate the plant into smaller pieces, ensuring that each piece has roots attached. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil and water thoroughly. Divided plants may take a season or two to establish, but once established they will grow vigorously.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that could affect the Polemonium occidentale Greene ssp. typicum Wherry is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, causing them to wither and die eventually. To manage this disease, one should try to avoid wetting the plant foliage when watering and do not overcrowd the plants. Moreover, removing the infected leaves and practicing good sanitation can effectively control the spread. Another disease that can affect the plant is rust. Rust appears as orange or yellow spots on the underside of the leaves, usually when the weather is damp. To manage rust disease, one should remove the infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Also, spacing the plants properly and ensuring good air circulation can help minimize the risk of rust on Polemonium occidentale Greene ssp. typicum Wherry plants.
Pest Management
One of the common pests that could attack Polemonium occidentale Greene ssp. typicum Wherry is aphids. These tiny insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing curling, stunted growth, and yellowing of the leaves. To control aphids, one may hose off the plants with a strong jet of water to knock off the pests or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Another pest that could affect the plant is spider mites, which are small, reddish-brown arachnids that suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and dryness. To control spider mites, one may apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray or use biological controls such as predatory mites that feed on spider mites. Finally, slugs and snails could also be a problem for Polemonium occidentale Greene ssp. typicum Wherry, as they eat large holes in the leaves. To control these mollusks, one may sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the plants or use baits such as iron phosphate-based products.
