Polemonium Species, Jacob's Ladder
Polemoniumcaeruleum

Family: Polemoniaceae (po-le-moh-nee-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Polemonium (po-le-MOH-nee-um)
Species: caeruleum (see-ROO-lee-um)

Synonym:Polemonium laxiflorum

Category
Perennials

Water Requirements
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings

Sun Exposure
Light Shade
Partial to Full Shade
Full Shade

Foliage
Herbaceous

Foliage Color

Height
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)

Spacing
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F)
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
N/A

Bloom Color
Dark Blue
Medium Purple
White/Near White

Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Summer

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost

Seed Collecting
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed
Wear gloves to protect hands when handling seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored