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Genus Polemonium (Jacob's ladder)

Polemonium Polemonium caeruleum 'Bressingham Purple' Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Bluestone Perennials
pole-MONE-ee-um Common Name: Jacob's ladder
Polemonium is a genus of about 25 species of deciduous perennials and annuals from arctic and alpine areas of Europe, Asia, and North and Central America. In spring and summer, rather dainty blue (most often), white, yellow, pink, or purple flowers bloom on upright or relaxed stems. Larger species are attractive in a woodland garden or border, while the small species belong in a rock garden or alpine house.
 Care: Taller species need fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Smaller species need full sun with some protection at midday, and gritty, very well-drained soil. Deadhead regularly.
 Propagation: Divide plants in spring or sow seed in a cold frame in fall or spring.
 Problems: Powdery mildew can occur.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Polemonium

Polemonium caeruleum Polemonium caeruleum
(Jacob’s ladder, Greek valerian) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This North American native bears deep blue or occasionally white, bell-shaped blossoms in spring and possibly late summer if deadheaded. It grows from 1 to 3 feet tall. Use Jacob's ladder in a lightly shaded border, rock garden, woodland, or cottage garden.
Polemonium caeruleum 'Brise d'Anjou' Polemonium caeruleum 'Brise d'Anjou'
(Variegated Jacob’s ladder, Greek valerian) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This dramatic cultivar has bright green leaves that are richly edged with cream. It bears lavender-blue blossoms in spring, and grows from 1.5 to 2 feet tall.
Polemonium reptans
(Greek valerian, Jacob’s ladder) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This North American native bears light blue bell-shaped blossoms in spring to early summer. It has a lax, sprawling habit to 1.5 feet tall. The leaflets are arranged like the rungs of a ladder, hence the common name.
Polemonium reptans 'Stairway to Heaven'
(Greek valerian, Jacob’s ladder) (1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This variegated cultivar offers white-edged leaves with pink tints on a compact plant to 1.5 feet tall. It bears light lavender-blue bell-shaped blossoms in spring.