Grow this native perennial in shady spots for its beautiful foliage and blue spring flowers.
Jacobs ladderis a genus of shade perennials that was named after the foliage.
The long compound leaves have small leaflets along a central stem that resemble a ladder.
Credit: Matthew Benson
The plant is a spring ephemeral that produces clusters of dainty, bell-shaped blue blossoms.
There are more than two dozen species in thePolemoniumgenus, including some that are native to North America.
Most have blue flowers but there are some pleasing pink and white options as well.
Credit: Matthew Benson
Many varieties of Jacob’s ladder are also prized for their foliage.
Other species boast purple-tinged leaves in spring that fade to a deep emerald color.
These plants hold their own in part shade, adding texture to any garden.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Plant Jacobs ladder in woodland gardens or under deciduous trees or shrubs so it gets the shade it needs.
Locations with northern exposure are also a good option.
Together withhelleboresand other spring-blooming perennials, it creates a lively floral display early in the season.
Credit: Greg Scheidemann
Fall planting is also possible as long as it is six weeks before the first fall frost.
Dig a hole about twice the diameter of the nursery container and about the same depth.
Place the plant in the hole and fill in original soil to the top of the root ball.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Gently tamp down the soil and water it well.
Keep the soil evenly moist in the absence of rain until the plant is established.
Space plants 12 inches apart.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Sun exposure tolerance also depends on the cultivar.
Solid green leaf varieties can handle more sun as long as the soil never dries out.
Variegated types need more shade as too much sun burns their tender foliage.
In deep, full shade, some variegated varieties may green up and be less vibrant.
Poor soil should be amended with compost before planting.
Jacob’s ladder requires moist butwell-drained soil; it struggles when the soil is wet for long periods.
It also has a low drought tolerance and will go dormant in dry conditions.
During extended dry spells, plan on additional watering.
Jacobs ladder is quite winter-hardy but does not fare well in hot summers and extremely humid conditions.
In a garden setting, apply aslow-release granular fertilizeronce in the springtime just as the new growth starts.
Deadheading the spent blooms is optional; it prevents plants from wasting energy on seed production.
Potting and Repotting Jacob’s Ladder
Jacobs ladder makes a good container plant.
Use a pot with large drainage holes and fill it with a combination of well-draining potting mix and compost.
Keep in mind that container plants require more frequent watering and fertilization than plants in the landscape.
Potential pests include slugs, leafminers, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
How to Propagate Jacob’s Ladder
The easiest way to propagate Jacobs ladder isby division.
In the spring, carefully dig out the entire clump and separate it into smaller sections.
Replant them at the same depth as the original plant and water them well until they are established.
The variegated foliage and longevity account for the popularity of ‘Stairway to Heaven’.
It bears pink-and-white-edged leaves and lavender-blue flowers in early summer.
It grows 2 feet tall.
It features even more cream-edged foliage and has the typical light blue flowers.
Zones 3-7
‘Brize D’Anjou’ Jacob’s Ladder
Polemonium caeruleumis native to Europe.
This cultivar is not as floriferous as many others, but its leaves are dramatically rimmed with creamy white.
It grows 2 feet tall.
Zones 4-9
‘Bressingham Purple’ Jacob’s Ladder
This compact variety ofPolemonium caeruleumbears large light purple flowers.
It grows 2 feet tall.
Zone 3-9
Foamflower
This close cousin to coral bells is another popular shade garden plant.
In spring, the stems ofSolomon’s sealare lined with small, bell-shaped, white blooms.
The flowers later give way to bluish-black berries that wildlife love.
The spreading and clumping habit of this plant makes it an excellent groundcover for shady spots.
It serves as a nectar and pollen source for native bees as well as a nectar source for butterflies.
The plant spreads by rhizomes and also reseeds itself but it naturalizes gently and does not spread aggressively.
