Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium reptans)

Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium reptans)

Jacob’s Ladder brings a calm presence to spring gardens with its pale blue, star-shaped flowers that hover above delicate, ladder-like foliage. It starts blooming right as the spring ephemerals start to slow down and brings so much interest and beauty to the front/mid layer in shade gardens. The foliage is just as appealing as the flower and looks good as soon as it emerges in early spring, with lush clusters that have a soft maroon tint before settling into a lighter green. 

Growing Conditions
Light: Part shade to light sun
Soil: Rich, well-drained loam
Height: 12–24 inches
Spread: 12–18 inches
Zones: 3–8
Bloom time: April through June

Wildlife Value
Jacob’s Ladder provides early season nectar and pollen for native bees and other beneficial insects, offering important support during a time when floral resources are still limited.

Blooms Alongside
Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica), Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum), Amethyst shooting star (Dodecatheon amethystinum),  Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

For more information, please check out our sizes, pricing and ordering page.