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Polemonium caeruleum
Jacob's ladder
Jacob's Ladder gets its name from the arrangement of its leaves – pairs of opposite leaflets resembling a ladder. In early...
9cm pot
available to order from autumn
3 × 9cm pots
available to order from autumn
6 × 9cm pots
available to order from autumn
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Plant description
Jacob's Ladder gets its name from the arrangement of its leaves – pairs of opposite leaflets resembling a ladder. In early summer, erect stems rise up from the bright green foliage carrying clusters of bell-shaped, lavender-blue flowers.
A cottage garden favourite, Polemonium caeruleum is happiest in partial shade, and looks equally at home in a wildlife garden setting or in grass. Although it is short-lived, it self-seeds freely.
A cottage garden favourite, Polemonium caeruleum is happiest in partial shade, and looks equally at home in a wildlife garden setting or in grass. Although it is short-lived, it self-seeds freely.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Polemonium caeruleum:
Polemonium prefers a spot in partial shade or dappled sunlight with fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Mulch in spring with organic matter to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first year after planting. After the first flush of flowers, cut back the stems to encourage a second round of blooms. In autumn, remove faded flowerheads and cut the plant back to ground level, composting the spent material.
Avoid planting in areas with waterlogged soil over winter, as the crown may rot.
Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first year after planting. After the first flush of flowers, cut back the stems to encourage a second round of blooms. In autumn, remove faded flowerheads and cut the plant back to ground level, composting the spent material.
Avoid planting in areas with waterlogged soil over winter, as the crown may rot.
Please note:
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
