Polemonium viscosum, known as sky pilot, skunkweed, sticky Jacobs-ladder, and sticky polemonium, is a flowering plant in the genus Polemonium native to western North America from southern British Columbia east to Montana and south to Arizona and New Mexico, where it grows at high altitudes on dry, rocky sites. It is a perennial herbaceous plant growing 10–30 cm tall, with pinnate leaves up to 15 cm long with numerous small spoon-shaped leaflets 1.5–6 mm long and 1–3 mm broad. It has purple flowers 17–25 mm long. It is grown as an ornamental plant in rock gardens.
Sky pilot is fairly resistant to disease and is usually not prone to illnesses. However, it can be affected by pests and diseases present in its environment. When infections occur, they are generally mild. For care, this plant needs moderate maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to keep a neat appearance and encourage healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help stimulate flowering. Sky pilot is well suited to anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not require extensive experience in plant care. It may need more attention when grown indoors.
How to keep Polemonium Viscosum.
Light
Sky pilot is a perennial herbaceous species that prefers sunny sites and originates in open habitats, frequently flourishing in meadows and grasslands. It favors full sun but can also tolerate partial sun.
Fertilizer
For Sky pilot, the primary time to fertilize is early spring while the flowers are developing. The appropriate fertilizer promotes stronger blooms and helps Sky pilot produce beautiful flowers. Fertilizing in early spring ensures excellent flowering during the season and supplies energy for dormant growth phases.
Pruning
The alpine plant known as the sky pilot benefits greatly from early spring pruning. By focusing on removing spent blooms and damaged stems, you can encourage new growth. This practice not only improves the plant's appearance but also enhances air circulation and reduces the risk of disease. Additionally, pruning methods can be adjusted to suit specific environmental conditions, ensuring strong and healthy blooming.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Polemonium
- Family
- Polemoniaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 3-7
- Mature Height
- 10 cm to 52 cm
- Mature Spread
- 15 cm to 25 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Purple, Lavender
- Flower Size
- 2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall
Other names.
