The Plant Guide

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Polemonium caeruleum

Polemonium caeruleum

pole-MONE-ee-um sir-EW-lee-um Audio
Polemonium caeruleum 'Bressingham Purple'

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.

CareGrow in moist, but well-drained, soil in sun to partial shade. Some cultivars can grow in full shade.

PropagationSow seed in a cold frame in spring or fall. Divide in spring.

ProblemsPowdery mildew.

  • Genus : Polemonium
  • Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
  • Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Bloom Time : Early Summer, Summer
  • Uses : Ground Covers, Shade
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Light : Partial Shade
  • Plant Type : Perennials
  • Characteristics : Self Seeds, Showy Foliage
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
  • Flower Color : White

Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members

Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.

Start Free Trial

Related Plants

Related Articles

More From the Plant Guide

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide