Polemonium 'Lambrook Mauve'
Jacob's ladder
Also known as Polemonium reptans 'Lambrook Mauve'
- Height × spread
- 0.4m × 0.5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer
Availability
Generally available in Spring & Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is by its nature a plant for woodlands, with a tangle of fine foliage and little lilac flowers which come in late spring and early summer. One of those plants which have a distinctly informal appeal. The rounded flowers each have five petals that surround a yellow heart. There are fine, darker-coloured lines raying into the centre and the long, cream sexual organs which noticeably protrude. It is likely to flower from April to early June. In the wild the species is found in shady places, woods and on damp river banks. This indicates that the plant needs plenty of moisture to thrive. Give this plant care when it has finished flowering as it can gently fade away if neglected. Its root has been used for medicinal purposes, good in fevers and for inflammations.
- Flower colour
- Blue, Lilac, Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 0.4m
- Spread
- 0.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Shady court, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
AutumnNow
Autumn · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large, or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in a pot, or planted in the ground.
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Apply slow release fertiliser
Apply a slow release fertiliser which is spread around the root area of plants soon after they have come into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Planting
Deadhead blooms during flowering season
Remove flowers as they turn brown and fade. Snip the stem just below the bloom. This will keep the plant tidy and encourage more flowers.
The removal of spent flowers encourages the plant to produce fresh ones, rather than spend its energy on the development of seeds.
Found in
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