Jacob’s ladder

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Common Name

Jacob’s Ladder

Scientific Name

Polemonium

Plant Category

Perennial

Location

Northern Hemisphere, South America, Northern and Central Europe

Height

12-18 inches

Width

1-2 inches

Blooming Season

Late spring

Plant Habit

Low-growing and clump-forming. Upright.

Color

Blue, yellow or orange

Sun

Light shade to partial sun

Soil

Moist, well-drained soil

Water

Moderate

Plant Characteristics

Fragrant flowers. Deer-resistant.

Usage

Used in borders, containers and has medicinal properties.

Information

The plants have stems which are usually glabrous and have a tendency to sprawl across the ground. They are often dull reddish green and angular. The alternate compound leaves are odd pinnate, consisting of about 5-15 leaflets. Each leaflet is oval to narrowly ovate, hairless, and with a margin that is smooth. Flowering stalks develop from the upper axils of the compound leaves that are several inches long. These stalks are glabrous and often reddish green, terminating in a small corymb of floppy or nodding flowers. The blooming period usually occurs during the late spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks. The flowers are replaced by rounded capsules containing 3 cells. Each cell contains several seeds. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.

Growing Tips

The plants normally prefer soil that is rich in moisture and lime and does not require as much sunlight as other plants. Depending on the conditions, they will need varying amounts of water in the summer. If it is hot summer, the plants may require extra water. If it is an average summer, they probably would not need extra water. Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the planting hole and place the plants no deeper than they were growing in containers. The plants should be spaced 1 foot apart and mulch around the plants with around 3 inches of organic compost. Cut off old flower stems using bypass pruners as this will neaten up the plants and may produce more flowers.

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Leaf spot and powdery mildew can be problems, particularly in humid climates. Foliage may scorch in too much sun. Leaflet tips will brown up if soils are allowed to dry out. Foliage will generally decline and become less attractive as the summer progresses. Watch for slugs.