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Description
Polemonium Occidentale, commonly known as Western Polemonium, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the Polemoniaceae family. It is native to the western region of North America, including California, Oregon, and Washington. The plant typically grows up to 1-2 feet tall and spreads up to 2-3 feet wide. It produces showy blue to lavender flowers in clusters from late spring to early summer. The plant has a unique fragrance which attracts bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Polemonium |
Appearance
Polemonium Occidentale has an upright growth habit and a mounding form. The plant has a basal rosette of leaves and produces leafy stems. The leaves are pinnate and have lance-shaped leaflets with smooth edges. The flowers are funnel-shaped and grow in clusters at the top of the stems. They are blue to lavender in color and have yellow stamens. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and is a great addition to any garden.
Care Guide
Water: Polemonium Occidentale prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.Fertilization: The plant does not require heavy fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year to promote healthy growth.Soil: The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including loam, sand, and clay.Sunlight: Polemonium Occidentale prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate full shade but may not bloom as well.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Polemonium Occidentale is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally be affected by powdery mildew, leaf spot, or spider mites. To prevent these issues, make sure the plant is grown in well-drained soil and avoid overhead watering. If necessary, treat the plant with a fungicide or insecticide.
Habitat
Polemonium Occidentale is native to the western region of North America, including California, Oregon, and Washington. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, forests, and rocky slopes. The plant is often found in areas with moist soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Polemonium Occidentale a good plant for pollinators?
A: Yes, the unique fragrance of the plant attracts bees and butterflies.Q: Can Polemonium Occidentale tolerate full shade?
A: Yes, the plant can tolerate full shade but may not bloom as well.Q: How often should I water Polemonium Occidentale?
A: Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Polemonium Occidentale?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Polemonium Occidentale:
- Polemonium Caeruleum
- Polemonium Reptans
- Polemonium Vanbruntiae
- Polemonium Brandegeei
References
– “Polemonium Occidentale.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287115.- “Polemonium Occidentale.” Plant of the Week, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, www.uaex.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/polemonium-occidentale-5-14-04.aspx.
