Origin of Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. Lemmonii (Brand) Wherry
Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. lemmonii (Brand) Wherry, also known as Lemmon's Sky Pilot, is a plant species that belongs to the Polemoniaceae family. This perennial herb is native to the Western United States, specifically found in the mountain ranges of California, Nevada, and Arizona.Common Names for Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. Lemmonii (Brand) Wherry
Aside from its scientific name, Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. lemmonii (Brand) Wherry is also commonly referred to as Sticky Jacob's Ladder or Lemmon's Sky Pilot.Appearance and Uses of Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. Lemmonii (Brand) Wherry
This plant can grow up to 1.5 feet tall and features dense clusters of purple-blue flowers that bloom from June to August. Its leaves are bluish-green and have a sticky texture due to the presence of glandular hairs. Like other species in the Polemonium genus, Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. lemmonii (Brand) Wherry is a pollinator attractant and can be grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. lemmonii (Brand) Wherry has also been traditionally used by Native American communities for its medicinal properties. The plant's roots have been used to treat respiratory issues such as bronchitis and asthma, while its leaves were used to alleviate fever and pain. However, it is important to note that herbal remedies should only be used under proper medical supervision.Light Requirements
Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. lemmonii (Brand) Wherry is a shade-loving plant that thrives in environments with partial to full shade. It prefers shaded areas with only a few hours of direct sunlight each day. Too much exposure to direct sunlight can cause leaf scorching and slow growth.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. lemmonii (Brand) Wherry is between 10-20°C (50-68°F). It can tolerate extremes on both ends, including occasional frosts and high temperature fluctuations, but its growth rate slows down under such conditions. In hot climates, it benefits from moderate shading and regular watering.
Soil Requirements
Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. lemmonii (Brand) Wherry prefers moist, well-drained soils that are rich in humus content. It can grow in acidic to neutral soils, with a pH range of 4.5-7.5. However, it does not tolerate waterlogged conditions and requires adequate organic matter content in the soil to retain moisture. In the absence of a natural forest floor environment, mulching can be helpful in maintaining the required moisture levels.
Cultivation Methods
Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. lemmonii (Brand) Wherry, commonly known as Lemmon’s Jacob’s ladder, is native to the western United States and can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. It prefers full to partial sun and well-drained soils. The plant can be propagated via seeds or divisions in the spring when the plant experiences new growth. Transplant the divisions or seedlings to prepared soil at least eight weeks before the last expected frost date.
Watering Needs
Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. lemmonii (Brand) Wherry needs consistent moisture to thrive, but the soil must never be waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce it to once a month during the dormant season. Keep the soil moist, but not saturated. Avoid overhead watering because it can increase the risk of root rot and fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. lemmonii (Brand) Wherry, but an annual application of compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer can encourage vigorous growth. Apply the fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears according to the manufacturer's instructions or after a soil test.
Pruning
Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. lemmonii (Brand) Wherry is a low maintenance plant that does not require pruning. However, removing old and damaged stems in late winter or early spring can encourage new growth and improve the plant's appearance.
Propagation of Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. lemmonii (Brand) Wherry
Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. lemmonii (Brand) Wherry, commonly known as Lemmon's Jacob's ladder, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to North America. This plant is commonly propagated using two methods: seeds and division.
Propagation by seeds
The most popular method of propagating Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. lemmonii is by seeds. The seeds of this plant can be sown directly into the ground in fall or early spring to produce new plants. However, it is recommended to sow the seeds first indoors and then transplant them outdoors once they have germinated. To start seeds indoors, clean the seeds with water and soak them in water for 24 hours. Sow the seeds in flats with a seed-starting mix at a depth of 1/8 inch. Keep the soil moist and maintain a constant temperature of around 60 Fahrenheit until the seedlings emerge. Once the seedlings have emerged, reduce the temperature to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Transplant the seedlings to their permanent location in the garden after they have grown their second set of true leaves.
Propagation by division
Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. lemmonii can also be propagated by dividing the plant. This method is best done in spring or fall. First, dig up the entire clump of the plant, and then carefully separate the root clumps using a sharp knife. Make sure each section has a healthy root system and some stem and leaves. After separation, plant the divisions in a pre-prepared hole in the garden with a mixture of compost and soil and water them well. Make sure to keep the soil moist until the plants are well established.
Disease Management of Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. lemmonii (Brand) Wherry
Even though Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. lemmonii is generally a healthy plant, it may still be hit by fungal, bacterial, as well as viral diseases. Preventative measures like protection from wet foliage and well-draining soil could boost the plant's resistance to these disorders. Another useful strategy is to maintain the plant in a location with enough air circulation to reduce humidity, which could encourage the growth of fungal spores. In case the plant is already suffering from a disease, remove the affected parts and destroy them safely to avoid the spread of the disease. Additionally, use fungicides, bactericides, or pesticides specially formulated to treat the disorder.
Common Pests that Affect Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. lemmonii (Brand) Wherry
Pests are not usually a major concern for Polemonium viscosum Nutt. ssp. lemmonii. However, a few pests, including leaf miners, caterpillars, and spider mites, could still attack the plant. To manage these pests, it is best to use insecticidal soaps or oils when the infestation is still in the early stage. Neem oil and horticultural oils are examples of oils for controlling pest infections. Another useful strategy is to practice crop rotation, which lessens the build-up of pests in the soil. For severe pest infestations, the use of synthetic pesticides could be an option, but it should be employed with caution.
