Polemonium yezoense var. hidakanum Purple Rain (Jacobs Ladder)

Polemonium yezoense var. hidakanum 'Purple Rain' (Jacob's Ladder) is a compact herbaceous perennial prized for its large clusters of star-shaped, purple flowers adorned with prominent stamens and cream anthers. Blooming in mid to late spring, the blossoms are borne atop dark stems and rise well above the foliage mound of finely divided, fern-like, dark green leaves flushed with purple-black. The leaves bear up to 20 very small leaflets that are supposed to represent the ladder of which Jacob dreamed and the angels climbed. Excellent for borders, the compact size makes this Polemonium suitable for edging, rock gardens, and containers.

• Grows up to 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 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, edging, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and containers.
• Generally pest free. Keep an eye out for powdery mildews
• 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.