PerennialsPolemonium caeruleum
Jacob's Ladder
Jacob's ladder is a graceful perennial with elegantly pinnate foliage and clusters of sky-blue, bell-shaped flowers appearing in May and June. The name refers to the ladder-like arrangement of leaflets along the leaf stem. A valuable spring bloomer for partial shade.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Partial shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 40–60 cm
- Spread
- 30–45 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 3–7
- Family
- Polemoniaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- blue
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in partial shade in moist, fertile soil. The plant tolerates sun provided the soil does not dry out. Feed with compost in spring. Mulch around the base to keep the roots cool.
Pruning tips
Cut back flower stems after blooming to encourage re-flowering and prevent unwanted self-seeding. Cut back foliage in late autumn when it dies down.
Good companions
PerennialsDigitalis purpurea
Foxglove
Foxglove is an imposing plant with tall flower spikes packed with thimble-shaped blooms in purple, pink, or white. The flowers appear from June to July on one-sided spires reaching up to one and a half metres. The plant is biennial but self-sows reliably, returning each summer. Note: all parts are poisonous.
PerennialsGeranium 'Rozanne'
Geranium 'Rozanne'
Geranium 'Rozanne' is one of the longest-flowering perennials, producing bright blue-violet blooms from June until the first frost. It grows as a wide, low mound and makes an outstanding ground cover. Rozanne is tough, disease-free, and fits nearly any garden style.
PerennialsAlchemilla mollis
Lady's Mantle
Lady's Mantle is a reliable perennial treasured for its beautiful, scalloped leaves that catch dewdrops like tiny pearls. From June to July, clouds of delicate yellow-green flowers appear, making excellent cut flowers. The plant forms attractive, rounded clumps and works beautifully as edging.