Jacob's ladder plant is an easy to grow, shade loving perennial. Botanically, Polemonium caeruleum, this flowering species has leaves that are set like a ladder. Learn about the best ways to care for this plant with Lorin Nielsen.Once upon a time, Jacob’s ladder was called the “charity plant”, although it shouldn’t be confused with the Mahonia species that also bears that common name. It’s also been called “Greek valerian”, although it’s not a valerian. Confused yet?
Jacob’s ladder gets its common name from the ladder-like or pinnate structure of its leafy foliage. In the spring and early summer months, it shoots up slender stalks from which hang clusters of bell-like flowers. A shade-loving variety, it has origins overseas but is often found in the United States in garden cultivation now. It’s such an easy-growing plant that it can even be considered slightly invasive if it’s in the right environment! However, it can be maintained and kept to its beds as well.
Let’s delve deep into the world of the Polemonium species, and I’ll tell you all about this beautiful perennial!Two species share the same common name. The one we’re focusing on today, Polemonium caeruleum, is the cultivated variety that can be found at your local garden center. Optimized for garden growing, it’s a highly-desirable burst of color in shadier locations.
A related species, Polemonium reptans, is called “false Jacob’s ladder” or “creeping Jacob’s ladder”. Native to the northeastern United States, it is considered a threatened wild plant in some states. Due to its tendency to be very leggy, it’s not ideal in a garden environment.With its origins in the temperate regions of Europe and Asia, Jacob’s ladder is a beautiful addition to any garden. That’s largely why it’s become naturalized in multiple environments worldwide today, including eastern North America!
Jacob’s ladder is native to areas of meadowland, woodlands, and grasslands, this shade-loving species derives its name from its pinnate leaves that resemble the rungs of a ladder. It is an excellent low-maintenance plant that is often grown as a deer-resistant flower in many gardens.Growing about 18-24 inches in height, Polemonium caeruleum often reaches a similar width to its height. Some cultivars can become even larger, up to about three feet tall. Most have dark green leaves.
The leaves of Jacob’s ladder may be fully, vibrantly green, and lush or may have other colorations. Examples of the variegated varieties are “Stairway To Heaven”, which has cream-colored foliage, or “Bressingham Purple”, which has deep green foliage streaked with dark purple. Jacob’s ladder blooms in the spring to early summer months, often at the same time as allium species and the bleeding heart plant. Bell-shaped flowers hang in clusters from the end of their flower stalks and may range in color from blue to pink, yellow, purple or white.
For most of its preferred growing environments, Jacob’s ladder can easily be grown as a perennial. In some locations, it acts as a self-seeding annual. In eastern North America, this plant is perennial.Start by choosing a location that offers partial shade or dappled sunlight. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter; composting the planting area will provide the nutrients necessary for healthy growth. Prepare the site by clearing weeds and loosening the soil to a depth of about 12 inches, creating an ideal environment for the roots to establish.
When it comes to planting, spring or early fall are the optimal times to plant Jacob’s ladder. Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart, allowing enough room to spread. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and position the plant to level its crown with the soil surface, then backfill and water thoroughly. Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.