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Herbaceous Perennial

Polemonium caeruleum
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Jacob's ladder

A clump-forming perennial to 90cm tall, with ladder-like, pinnate mid-green leaves composed of leaflets, and stiff stems bearing sprays of blue flowers 2.5cm wide with prominent yellow stamens in early summer; often seeds about rather freely

Other common names
American great valerian
charity
see moreGreek valerian
ladder to heaven
make-bate
Synonyms
Polemonium pulchellum Turcz.
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Polemoniaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Polemonium can be annuals or herbaceous perennials or upright or spreading habit, with pinnate leaves and usually clustered, tubular, bell, or funnel-shaped flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
N Temperate

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers, in a cold frame in autumn or spring, or divide in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required. Cut back foliage to ground level at the end of the season

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Powdery mildews can sometimes be a problem

Get involved

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