Polemonium caeruleum (Jacobs Ladder)

Polemonium caeruleum (Jacob's Ladder) is an erect perennial prized for its loose sprays of cup-shaped, deep blue flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), adorned with prominent yellow stamens in mid to late spring. Borne atop stiff leafy stems, they rise well above the foliage mound of finely divided, fern-like, bright green leaves. The leaves bear up to 20 leaflets that are supposed to represent the ladder of which Jacob dreamed and the angels climbed. Excellent for borders, rock gardens, or in woodland settings.

• Grows up to 18-24 in. tall and wide (45-60 cm).
• Thrives in average, medium, well-drained soils in sun or part shade. Prefers fertile, moist soils. Do not let the soil dry out. Best with protection from the hot afternoon sun, particularly in warm summer areas. Intolerant of high heat and humidity.
• A lovely plant for beds and borders, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, city gardens, and containers.
• Generally pest free. Keep an eye out for powdery mildews. Deer resistant.
• Deadhead flowered stems in order to prevent self-seeding. Plants may be cut back to basal foliage after bloom to tidy the planting and to promote a potential rebloom in late summer.
• Propagate by seed sown in containers, in a cold frame in autumn or spring, or divide in spring.
• Native to northern Asia, Europe.