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Description
Polemonium Foliosissimum Var. Alpinum, commonly known as Alpine Sky Pilot, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Polemoniaceae family. It is native to the alpine regions of North America, specifically in the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Cascade Range. This plant can grow up to 2-3 feet in height and has narrow, lanceolate leaves that are dark green in color. Its flowers are tubular and bell-shaped, with a blue-purple color and yellow centers. The Alpine Sky Pilot blooms in late spring to early summer, and its flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus: | Polemonium |
| Species: | Foliosissimum |
| Variety: | Alpinum |
Appearance
The Alpine Sky Pilot has a bushy and compact growth habit. Its leaves are narrow and lanceolate, with a dark green color and a smooth texture. The flowers of this plant are bell-shaped and tubular, with a blue-purple color and yellow centers. The blooms are held in clusters at the end of tall stems, and they attract bees and other pollinators. The Alpine Sky Pilot is a hardy plant that can tolerate cold and harsh weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for alpine gardens.
Care Guide
The Alpine Sky Pilot requires minimal care and maintenance. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: The Alpine Sky Pilot prefers well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells.- Fertilization: This plant does not require regular fertilization. However, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth.- Soil: The Alpine Sky Pilot prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, especially in hot climates.- Hardiness Zones: The Alpine Sky Pilot is hardy in USDA zones 3-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Alpine Sky Pilot is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be prone to root rot if the soil is kept too wet. Some pests that may affect this plant include aphids and spider mites. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Alpine Sky Pilot is native to the alpine regions of North America, specifically in the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Cascade Range. It grows in rocky and gravelly soils, often in areas with high elevation and cold temperatures. This plant is adapted to survive in harsh weather conditions, including strong winds and snow.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Alpine Sky Pilot grow in containers?
A: Yes, the Alpine Sky Pilot can grow in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate its growth.
Q: How often should I water my Alpine Sky Pilot?
A: Water the Alpine Sky Pilot regularly, especially during dry spells. Make sure the soil is kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Q: When should I fertilize my Alpine Sky Pilot?
A: Apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth. However, this plant does not require regular fertilization.
Q: How tall can the Alpine Sky Pilot grow?
A: The Alpine Sky Pilot can grow up to 2-3 feet in height.
Related Plants
– Polemonium Caeruleum (Jacob’s Ladder)- Polemonium Reptans (Greek Valerian)- Polemonium Van Bruntiae (Van Brunt’s Jacob’s Ladder)
References
– “Polemonium Foliosissimum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=w400.- “Polemonium Foliosissimum var. Alpinum.” PlantFiles, Dave’s Garden, davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1876/.
