Polemonium yezoense var. hidakanum Bressingham Purple (Jacobs Ladder)

An outstanding performer, Polemonium yezoense var. hidakanum Bressingham Purple (Jacob's Ladder) is a compact herbaceous perennial prized for its clusters of cup-shaped, lavender-blue flowers adorned with bright yellow stamens in mid to late spring. Borne atop dark, almost purple leafy stems, they rise well above the foliage mound of finely divided, fern-like, dark green leaves. The leaves bear up to 20 leaflets that are supposed to represent the ladder of which Jacob dreamed and the angels climbed. They become purple-tinged in spring and fall. Excellent for borders, the compact size makes this Polemonium suitable for edging, rock gardens, and containers.

• Grows up to 9-18 in. tall and wide (22-45 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.