jacob’s ladder
Polemonium caeruleum
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size18 to 24 inches tall18 to 24 inches wide
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Bloom color
- Deep blue
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium caeruleum) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, and containers. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Deep blue flowers open from early to late spring and attract butterflies and bees. Deer and rabbits rarely make it their first choice. The plant grows 18 to 24 inches tall and wide.
Pairs well with Lady's mantle, Siebold's hosta, and Columbine.
Native range
Europe, Central Asia, Asia, Altay, and 3 more places. See all 7
Europe, Central Asia, Asia, Altay, Krasnoyarsk, NW. Balkan Pen., and Tuva.