jacob's ladder
Polemonium reptans
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 to 18 inches tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Blue
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Jacob's ladder (Polemonium reptans) is a perennial for borders, woodland gardens, rock gardens, and ground cover. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to moist soil of most types. Light blue to purple, bell-shaped flowers open in loose clusters above delicate, compound leaves. Deer and rabbits tend to pass it by. Bees and butterflies visit the blooms.
Pairs well with Dutchman's breeches, Hosta, and Cheerfulness daffodil.
Native range
Eastern North America.