Common Jacob’s Ladder

Jacob’s Ladder, or Polemonium reptans, is part of the American Beauties Native Plants program. Attractive pink to violet-blue flowers appear in clusters at the end of the stems, with 1/2”, bell-shaped florets. Blooming begins in late spring and lasts for 2-3 weeks. A variety of native bees and many butterflies and pollinators enjoy the nectar from their violet-blue dainty flowers. Jacob’s Ladder grows well in Hardiness Zones 3-8, reaching 12-18 inches high and wide. This rhizomatous perennial spreads easily and is an excellent ground cover in woodland or shade-loving areas. The attractive, fresh green foliage is maintenance-free, unappealing to browsing deer, and valuable shelter for small animals. Common Jacob’s Ladder CareJacob’s Ladder thrives in bright shade; it is naturally found in rich woodlands among deciduous trees, near streams, and along wooded slopes. The soil must be well draining and rich in organic matter, such as garden compost. Jacob’s Ladder requires minimal maintenance. Cut the flower stems to the base of the plant after blooming to neaten the appearance and encourage blooming. If the foliage becomes dry or tattered looking, trim it back to the base of the plant, and new fresh growth will appear. Jacob’s Ladder will benefit from application of a balanced, organic, water-soluble fertilizer in early spring to promote foliar growth and bloom.Common Jacob’s Ladder SpacingJacob’s Ladder spreads primarily from seeds after flowering and produces plenty of seedlings, particularly if located in a bright shady spot with moist soil. Space each plant at least 12 inches apart from a neighboring plant to allow for its full mature spread of 18 inches. Image Courtesy of North Creek NurseryCommon Jacob’s Ladder InformationUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 – 8Plant Type: PerennialsLight Exposure: Full Shade to Partial Shade (0 – 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)Mature Height: 12 – 18 InchesMature Spread: 12 – 18 InchesSpacing: 12 – 18 InchesHabit: MoundedFlower Color(s): BlueFlower Description: Bloom Period: Foliage Type: Herbaceous, VariegatedFoliage Color(s): GreenFoliage Description: Dark GreenSeasonal Interest: Spring FloweringWatering: AverageResists: DeerTolerates: HeatAttracts: BeesContainer Role: Uses: Borders, ContainersFeatures: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Low Maintenance, Native to North AmericaBrand: Common Name: Common Jacob’s LadderOther Name(s): Jacob’s LadderScientific Name: Polemonium reptans