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Description
Polemonium Villosissimum, commonly known as the hairy Jacob’s ladder, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Polemoniaceae family. It is native to the western regions of North America, including British Columbia, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. This plant is known for its beautiful blue-purple flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem and have a bell-shaped appearance. The leaves are pinnately compound with many leaflets attached to a central stem.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Polemonium |
Appearance
Polemonium Villosissimum can grow up to 60 cm tall and 30 cm wide. It has a bushy and clump-forming habit, with multiple stems arising from a central base. The stems are hairy and have a reddish-brown color. The leaves are bright green and have a fern-like appearance. They are arranged in an alternate pattern along the stem and have a length of up to 15 cm. The flowers are the highlight of this plant, with their beautiful blue-purple color and bell-shaped appearance. They have a diameter of up to 2 cm and are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem.
Care Guide
Polemonium Villosissimum is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:- Water: This plant prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater it, as this can cause root rot. – Fertilization: You can fertilize this plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. – Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. – Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade to full sun. – Hardiness Zones: Polemonium Villosissimum is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Polemonium Villosissimum is generally not affected by pests or diseases. However, it can occasionally be attacked by aphids or powdery mildew. To prevent these issues, make sure to keep the plant healthy and well-watered. If necessary, you can treat it with insecticidal soap or a fungicide.
Habitat
Polemonium Villosissimum is native to the western regions of North America, where it grows in moist meadows, forests, and along streams. It prefers cool and moist environments and is often found at high elevations.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Polemonium Villosissimum a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, this plant is easy to grow and requires minimal care, making it a good choice for beginners.Q: Can Polemonium Villosissimum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its roots and the soil is well-draining.Q: How often should I fertilize Polemonium Villosissimum?
A: You can fertilize this plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.Q: Can Polemonium Villosissimum tolerate full sun?
A: Yes, this plant can tolerate full sun, but it prefers partial shade.
Related Plants
– Polemonium caeruleum (Jacob’s ladder)- Polemonium reptans (Greek valerian)- Polemonium viscosum (sticky Jacob’s ladder)- Polemonium foliosissimum (fernleaf Jacob’s ladder)
References
– “Polemonium villosissimum – Hairy Jacob’s Ladder.” Montana Field Guide. Montana Natural Heritage Program and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, n.d. Web. 25 May 2021.- “Polemonium villosissimum.” Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, n.d. Web. 25 May 2021.- “Hairy Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium villosissimum).” USDA Plants Database. United States Department of Agriculture, n.d. Web. 25 May 2021.
