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Description
Polemonium Foliosissimum Var. Molle, commonly known as Jacob’s Ladder, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Polemoniaceae family. It is native to the western parts of North America and is known for its attractive foliage and beautiful blue or purple flowers. The plant can grow up to 60 cm in height and has a spreading habit.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Polemonium |
Appearance
The leaves of Polemonium Foliosissimum Var. Molle are basal and pinnately compound with leaflets that are green or bluish-green in color. The leaflets are oval or oblong in shape and have a smooth or slightly toothed margin. The plant produces clusters of bell-shaped flowers that are blue or purple in color and have a sweet fragrance. The flowers bloom in late spring or early summer and are held on erect stems that rise above the foliage.
Care Guide
To grow and maintain Polemonium Foliosissimum Var. Molle, follow these care guidelines:Water: The plant prefers consistently moist soil, so water it regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade. Plant it in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Polemonium Foliosissimum Var. Molle is generally not affected by serious pest or disease problems. However, it may be susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot, and spider mites. Keep the plant well-spaced to allow good air circulation and remove any infected or damaged foliage promptly.
Habitat
Polemonium Foliosissimum Var. Molle is native to the western parts of North America, where it grows in moist, shady habitats such as stream banks, meadows, and woodland areas. The plant is adapted to a range of soil types but prefers soils that are rich in organic matter and well-drained.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Polemonium Foliosissimum Var. Molle?
A: Water the plant regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering.Q: Does Polemonium Foliosissimum Var. Molle attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant’s sweetly scented flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.Q: How tall can Polemonium Foliosissimum Var. Molle grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 60 cm in height.Q: Does Polemonium Foliosissimum Var. Molle prefer sun or shade?
A: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Polemoniaceae family:
- Polemonium caeruleum (Jacob’s Ladder)
- Polemonium reptans (Greek Valerian)
- Polemonium viscosum (Sky Pilot)
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Polemonium Foliosissimum Var. Molle
- RHS: Polemonium Foliosissimum Var. Molle
- Gardenia: Polemonium Foliosissimum Var. Molle
