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Description
Polemonium Chinense, also known as Chinese Jacob’s Ladder, is a species of flowering plant in the family Polemoniaceae. This plant is native to China, where it can be found growing in meadows and forests. It is a perennial herb that can grow up to 60 cm tall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Polemonium |
Appearance
Polemonium Chinense has green, lance-shaped leaves that grow in a rosette at the base of the plant. The stem is slender and can be either green or reddish-brown in color. The flowers are small, bell-shaped, and range in color from white to pink. They bloom in the late spring to early summer and are arranged in loose clusters at the top of the stem.
Care Guide
To care for Polemonium Chinense, it is important to provide it with well-draining soil and ample sunlight. This plant prefers moist soil, so it should be watered regularly, but not overwatered. Fertilizing the plant once a month during the growing season can help promote healthy growth.Polemonium Chinense is hardy in USDA zones 5-8, meaning it can tolerate cold temperatures down to -20°F (-29°C). In areas where winter temperatures drop below this, it is best to plant it in a container and bring it indoors for the winter.
Common Pests & Diseases
Polemonium Chinense is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It is also important to keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, which can sometimes infest the plant.
Habitat
Polemonium Chinense is native to China, where it can be found growing in meadows and forests. It prefers moist soil and partial sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Polemonium Chinense be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Polemonium Chinense can be grown in containers. In fact, it is a good idea to plant it in a container if you live in an area where winter temperatures drop below -20°F (-29°C).
Q: How often should I water my Polemonium Chinense?
A: Polemonium Chinense prefers moist soil, so it should be watered regularly. However, be careful not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot.
Q: Does Polemonium Chinense attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Polemonium Chinense is a good plant to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Q: Can I propagate Polemonium Chinense from cuttings?
A: Yes, Polemonium Chinense can be propagated from cuttings taken in the early summer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Polemonium Chinense:
- Polemonium reptans
- Polemonium caeruleum
- Polemonium boreale
- Polemonium vanbruntiae
References
- “Polemonium Chinense (Chinese Jacob’s Ladder) – Gardenia.net.” Gardenia.net, https://www.gardenia.net/plant/polemonium-chinense-chinese-jacobs-ladder.
- “Polemonium Chinense in Flora of China @ efloras.org.” Flora of China, http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=242354840.
- “Polemonium Chinense (Chinese Jacob’s Ladder) – Garden.org.” Garden.org, https://garden.org/plants/view/114336/Chinese-Jacobs-Ladder-Polemonium-chinense/.
