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Polemonium caeruleum (Jacob’s ladder, Greek valerian)

Polemonium caeruleum Polemonium caeruleum 'Bressingham Purple' Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Bluestone Perennials



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Polemonium caeruleum pole-MONE-ee-um sir-EW-lee-um Common Name: Jacob’s ladder, Greek valerian Genus: Polemonium
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.
 Care: Grow in moist, but well-drained, soil in sun to partial shade. Some cultivars can grow in full shade.
 Propagation: Sow seed in a cold frame in spring or fall. Divide in spring.
 Problems: Powdery mildew.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Part Shade Only
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Attracts Butterflies; Native; Self Seeds; Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Early Summer; Summer
Flower Color Blue Flower; White Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Naturalizing
Style Shade, Cottage Garden, Meadow Garden, Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest, Summer Interest
Type Perennials

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