Contents
Description
Polemonium Micranthum, commonly known as Sky Pilot, is a perennial plant native to the Rocky Mountains in North America. It belongs to the Polemoniaceae family and is a popular garden plant due to its attractive foliage and flowers. The plant grows up to 30 cm tall and has a spread of about 20 cm. Its leaves are lance-shaped and grow in a rosette at the base of the stem. The flowers are blue or purple and grow in clusters at the top of the stem. The plant blooms from June to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Polemonium |
Appearance
Polemonium Micranthum is an attractive plant with lance-shaped leaves that grow in a rosette at the base of the stem. The leaves are dark green and have a glossy texture. The stem is erect and grows up to 30 cm tall. The flowers are blue or purple and grow in clusters at the top of the stem. Each flower is about 1 cm wide and has five petals. The plant blooms from June to August and attracts bees and butterflies to the garden.
Care Guide
Polemonium Micranthum is an easy plant to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips on how to care for it:- Water: The plant prefers moist soil but does not tolerate standing water. Water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the package for application rates.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in neutral to acidic soil.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade but may not bloom as well.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 3 to 7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Polemonium Micranthum is generally a healthy plant and is not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. It can be treated with a fungicide.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap.- Slugs: These pests can eat holes in the leaves. They can be controlled with slug bait or by handpicking.- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. It can be prevented by ensuring that the soil is well-drained.
Habitat
Polemonium Micranthum is native to the Rocky Mountains in North America. It grows in alpine and subalpine regions at elevations of 2000 to 4000 meters. The plant prefers moist soil and partial shade but can tolerate full sun. It is often found growing in rocky areas and meadows.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Polemonium Micranthum a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Polemonium Micranthum is an easy plant to care for and is a good choice for beginners.Q: Can Polemonium Micranthum grow in full sun?
A: Yes, Polemonium Micranthum can grow in full sun but prefers partial shade.Q: How often should I water Polemonium Micranthum?
A: Water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Polemonium Micranthum?
A: Polemonium Micranthum is hardy in zones 3 to 7.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that are similar to Polemonium Micranthum:- Polemonium caeruleum (Jacob’s ladder)- Polemonium reptans (Greek valerian)- Polemonium viscosum (sticky polemonium)- Polemonium yezoense (Japanese polemonium)
References
– “Polemonium micranthum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 14, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c928.- “Sky Pilot.” Colorado State University Extension. Accessed August 14, 2021. https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/sky-pilot-7-238/.- “Polemonium Micranthum.” Plant Care Guide. Accessed August 14, 2021. https://plantcareguide.com/polemonium-micranthum/.
