Species Jacob's ladder

Jacob's ladder

Polemonium caeruleum

Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium caeruleum) is a beautiful trailing perennial plant that blooms in first-half of summer. It features fine textured, rich green, ferny foliage composed of many leaflets, and from it grows multiple tall thin stems, each bearing clusters of small, five-petaled, true blue flowers. Grown best in partial to full shade, it is well suited for containers, borders and rock gardens. It is a popular, easy-care choice for shady spots and is surprisingly hardy. This herbaceous perennial is an excellent choice for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. The blooms are also a source of nectar making this plant an excellent choice to add texture and bold color to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Deep blue Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun only if soil kept moist, Part sun/part shade

Fruits:

blue,purple,white Fruits Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Jacob's ladder will need to be watered frequently especially during periods of hot and dry weather. Aim to water this plant weekly, and always ensure the soil is evenly moist (not overly wet or overly dry). Water gently and thoroughly so that all the soil is moistened. Do not water the foliage directly, as this could cause disease and damage the leaves. Increase watering frequency during the hottest summer months and when the soil surface is completely dry. Reduce watering frequency in the cooler months when growth slows. An occasional misting of the foliage can help prevent dust accumulation.

sunlight

Jacob's ladders prefer bright sunlight in the morning, but need protection from intense afternoon sun. It also depends on the location and climate; for instance in hotter climates provide dappled shade throughout the day, whereas in cooler climates they can receive full sun for most of the day. Generally, 6-8 hours of sunlight is ideal, and it's recommended to keep them out of direct, hot sunlight from noon until late afternoon.

pruning

Jacob's ladder should be pruned once a year, typically in spring. Pruning for this plant species should be light and done judiciously. It is best to prune only dead or dying foliage and remove any diseased or bug-infested branches. When you prune, you should focus on removing any crossing or overcrowded branches, as well as any that lack structure or have a poor growth habit. Pruning should leave the plant with an open, vase-like shape. If you wish to form a more compact plant, prune lightly around the edge of the plant to keep its height and width low.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Jacob's ladder typically starts flowering in April or May.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Polemonium caeruleum is in July and August.

Hardiness Map