Polemonium reptans (Greek valerian, Jacob’s ladder)

Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Polemonium reptans pole-MONE-ee-um REP-tanz Common Name: Greek valerian, Jacob’s ladder Genus: Polemonium
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.
Noteworthy characteristics: Self-sows.
Care: Provide humusy, moist but well-drained soil in part shade (or full sun in cooler climates).
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 Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Attracts Butterflies; Native; Self Seeds; Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Spring
Flower Color Blue Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Naturalizing
Style Shade, Cottage Garden, Meadow Garden, Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest
Type Perennials

Plants you might also like

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 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.

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.

Geranium maculatum
(Spotted geranium)
(1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This upright plant bears cupped flowers 1.5 inches across in variable hues of pale to bright pink from late spring to midsummer. 

Aquilegia chrysantha Aquilegia chrysantha
(Golden columbine, Yellow columbine)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

A. chrysantha is a vigorous grower that will add a real burst of color to any southern garden. This southwestern U.S. native has 3-inch yellow flowers in spring and reaches almost 3 feet tall.