Full Shade to Partial Shade(0 – 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
Mature Height
1-2 Feet
Mature Spread
1-2 Feet
Growing Zones
3 to 8
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 Care
Jacob’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 Spacing
Jacob’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 Nursery
Common Jacob’s Ladder Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 – 8
Plant Type: Perennials
Light Exposure: Full Shade to Partial Shade (0 – 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
Mature Height: 12 – 18 Inches
Mature Spread: 12 – 18 Inches
Spacing: 12 – 18 Inches
Habit: Mounded
Flower Color(s): Blue
Flower Description:
Bloom Period:
Foliage Type: Herbaceous, Variegated
Foliage Color(s): Green
Foliage Description: Dark Green
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering
Watering: Average
Resists: Deer
Tolerates: Heat
Attracts: Bees
Container Role:
Uses: Borders, Containers
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Low Maintenance, Native to North America
