northern jacob's-ladder
Polemonium boreale
USDA zones2 to 7
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 inches tall12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- White , yellow , blue , purple
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Northern Jacob's-ladder (Polemonium boreale) is a perennial for borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 2, or down to -50°F (-46°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Deer and rabbits tend to pass it by. It blooms in early to late spring and again in early to late summer. The flowers are fragrant and draw butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.
Pairs well with Emerald Pink moss phlox, Red fescue, and Old Rose Dandy peony.
Native range
AK; BC, NT, and YT.