Origin of Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. genuinum Wherry
Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. genuinum Wherry, commonly known as Sticky Jacob's Ladder, is a species of flowering plant that is native to the Western United States. It can be found in states such as Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, and Nebraska. It tends to grow in moist and rocky areas, often at higher elevations.
Common Names
Aside from Sticky Jacob's Ladder, Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. genuinum Wherry is also known by other common names such as American Jacob's Ladder, Sticky Polemonium, and Sky Pilot. The latter name was given due to its tendency to grow in alpine areas, where it is said to guide pilots through the sky.
Appearance and Uses
This herbaceous perennial plant typically grows up to 10 to 20 inches tall and has hairy stems. Its leaves are pinnately compound, with about 7 to 13 leaflets that are narrow and pointed. The flowers are funnel-shaped and have five petals that are typically blue in color, although they may also be white or pink. The whole plant is sticky to the touch, hence one of its common names.
Historically, Sticky Jacob's Ladder was used by various Native American tribes for medicinal purposes. It was believed to have properties that could aid in healing wounds and respiratory issues. Nowadays, the plant is predominantly grown as an ornamental flower in gardens and landscapes due to its attractive appearance and low maintenance care requirements.
Overall, Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. genuinum Wherry is a unique and fascinating plant that holds both historical and contemporary significance. Whether used for its medicinal properties or admired for its beauty in gardens and landscapes, this plant is a valuable addition to any collection.
Light Requirements
Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. genuinum Wherry grows best in full sun to partial shade. Too much shade can lead to weak and leggy plants, while too much sun can damage the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in cool, moist environments and prefers temperatures between 50-70°F. It is important to keep the plant moist in hot weather to avoid stress.
Soil Requirements
Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. genuinum Wherry requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clay soils, but does best in neutral to slightly acidic soils with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
It should be planted in an area where the soil is consistently moist, but not wet. Too much water can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. genuinum Wherry, commonly known as Sticky Jacob’s-ladder, is a species of flowering plant that requires moist and well-drained soil for cultivation. The plant grows well in damp shaded conditions and is tolerant of acidic soil. It is best suited for USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 8.
Watering Needs
Sticky Jacob’s-ladder requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept evenly moist during the growing season. Avoid waterlogging the soil, as it can cause root rot. During prolonged periods of drought, it is essential to give the plant a deep watering at least once a week to ensure its survival.
Fertilization
Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. genuinum Wherry is a light feeder and responds well to organic fertilizers. A slow-release, balanced fertilizer should be applied during the spring, just as the new growth emerges. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can cause excessive foliage growth, making the plant more susceptible to disease.
Pruning
Sticky Jacob’s-ladder requires minimal pruning. Deadheading the spent flowers is beneficial for the plant's appearance and can extend its flowering season. For an overall tidy appearance, it is recommended to trim back the plant slightly after the blooming period ends. Avoid pruning excessively, as Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. genuinum Wherry may not respond well to heavy pruning and may take longer to regrow.
Propagation of Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. genuinum Wherry
Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. genuinum Wherry, commonly known as sticky polemonium, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to North America. The plant is typically found in moist habitats such as meadows, streambanks, and forest edges. Propagation of the plant can be achieved through different methods including:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagation of Polemonium viscosum is through seeds. The seeds of the plant are typically collected in late summer to early fall and sown immediately. Germination of the seeds can occur in the fall or the following spring. Seeds can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors and transplanted afterwards. Ideally, the soil temperature should be between 18 - 24°C (65 - 75°F) for the seeds to germinate successfully. It is recommended to keep the soil moist during the germination process.
Division
Polemonium viscosum can also be propagated through division. Division involves splitting the root clumps into smaller sections and replanting them. This can be done in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant. To ensure a successful division, it is recommended to use a sharp, clean cutting tool to avoid damaging the plant roots. After division, replant the sections in well-drained soil, and provide adequate water and sun exposure to encourage and promote growth.
Cuttings
Another method of propagation for Polemonium viscosum is through cuttings. This method involves taking stem cuttings, typically in the summer, and rooting them in soil. The cutting should be around 5 cm (2 inches) long with 2 to 3 leaves at the top. The base of the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a pot filled with moist, well-drained soil. It is important to keep the soil moist and the cuttings in a warm place with indirect sunlight. It may take several weeks for the cuttings to root, after which they can be transplanted into the garden.
Disease Management
Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. genuinum Wherry is a hardy plant that is resistant to many pests and diseases. However, it is still susceptible to some diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant if not managed properly.
One common disease that affects Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. genuinum Wherry is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of an infected plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected plant parts, improve air circulation by pruning dense areas, and avoid overwatering. Fungicides may also be used to control powdery mildew.
Another disease that can affect Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. genuinum Wherry is root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that results from overwatering and poor drainage. Signs of root rot include wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, improve drainage in the soil, reduce watering frequency, and remove infected plant parts. Fungicides may also be used to control root rot.
Pest Management
Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. genuinum Wherry is generally a low-maintenance plant that is not heavily targeted by pests. However, some pests can still cause problems for the plant.
One common pest that can affect Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. genuinum Wherry is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing discoloration and damage to the leaves. To manage spider mites, remove infected plant parts, increase humidity by misting the plant, and use insecticidal soap.
Another pest that can affect Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. genuinum Wherry is the aphid. Aphids are small sap-sucking insects that can cause distortion and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, rinse the plant with water, remove infected plant parts, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
