Polemonium
Jacob's ladder, Sky pilot, Greek valerian
- Height × spread
- 0.2m – 0.8m × 0.15m – 0.6m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
These are generally soft looking, charming garden plants. There are low growing spreading forms, as well as the more upright varieties that have the regular ladder like pattern of leaves on their upright stems that give the plant its name of 'Jacob's Ladder'. The 'ladder effect' is particularly apparent in Polemonium caeruleum, especially in the crisp young foliage of the variegated forms such as Polemonium caeruleum Brise d' Anjou = 'Blanjou'. There are more prostrate forms which make a spreading mass of flowers. The flowers are small, simple and rounded with five overlapping petals. They are in soft mauve or purple shades, as well as blues, and there are also some pink or white varieties. The tallest forms stand around 90cm in height, others can stand around 30cm and with a spreading growth habit. They are spring and summer flowering. These plants do well with some shade in hot areas. They are best planted in groups or with other low growing plants as they can be overwhelmed.
- Flower colour
- Blue, Lilac, Mauve, Pink, Purple, White, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Cream, Green, White
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Bell, Column, Cube, Dome
- Height
- 0.2m – 0.8m
- Spread
- 0.15m – 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow, Small scale garden, Shady court, Scented garden, Rock garden, Prairie garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal), Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- 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 in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
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
Outdoors
Water some varieties differently
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for water. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for watering guidance.
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.
Planting
Support some varieties
Some plants within this genus may require support for young plants and/or long stems. It is best to look up your specific plant for guidance, and/or check the label.
Found in
More Polemonium
Polemonium 'Lambrook Mauve'
Jacob's ladder
Polemonium caeruleum 'Bambino Blue'
Jacob's ladder
Polemonium 'Golden Feathers'
Jacob's ladder
Polemonium 'Hannah Billcliffe'
Jacob's ladder
Polemonium 'Heaven Scent'
Jacob's ladder
Polemonium 'Northern Lights'
Jacob's ladder
Polemonium 'Sonia's Bluebell'
Jacob's ladder
Polemonium 'Violet Heart'
Jacob's ladder