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Jacob's Ladder

Botanical Name
Polemonium caeruleum
Hardiness
Zones 3 to 7
Height
18 to 24 inches
Width
18 to 24 inches
Flowers
Late spring to early summer: blue, pink, white
Light
Full sun to part shade
Soil
Moist, well-drained
Planting & Care
  • Jacob's ladder prefers soil with consistent moisture, mulch soil with shredded leaves, pine needles or other organic matter
  • Though tolerant of full sun, Jacob's ladder prefers partial shade, especially in the afternoon
  • Plants will decline in high heat and humidity
  • Cut plants back to basal foliage after bloom to tidy appearance, promote reblooming and to prevent unwanted reseeding
  • Plants rarely need division, for propagation divide in late summer
  • Plants may need staking or other support
Problems
Foliage scorch with too much sun, brown foliage in dry soil
Varieties
  • Apricot Delight - blue-purple flowers with orange centers
  • Album - white flowers
  • Brise d'Anjou - foliage sports creamy white margins

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