Polemonium caeruleum Brise dAnjou (Jacobs Ladder)

Polemonium caeruleum Brise d’Anjou (Jacob’s Ladder) is an erect, clump-forming perennial prized for its clean variegated leaves of bright green and creamy-white. In mid to late spring, small violet-blue flowers are borne atop stiff leafy stems. They rise well above the foliage mound of finely divided, fern-like leaves. However, the main attraction is the foliage. Excellent for borders, woodland settings, or containers where it will stand out.

Polemonium caeruleum Brise d'Anjou (Jacob's Ladder) is an erect, clump-forming perennial prized for its clean variegated leaves of bright green and creamy-white. In mid to late spring, small violet-blue flowers are borne atop stiff leafy stems. They rise well above the foliage mound of finely divided, fern-like leaves. However, the main attraction is the foliage. Excellent for borders, woodland settings, or containers where it will stand out.

  • 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 division in spring.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Polemonium – Jacob's Ladders
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 18″
– 24″
(45cm
– 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow