A Visual Guide to Jacob’s Ladder: A Delicate Shade-Loving Perennial

Jacob’s ladder is a sprawling perennial that produces blue-violet blooms in the spring. It works well in full sun and well-drained soils in cottage gardens, native gardens, wildflower gardens, beds, and borders. Swink and Wilhelm’s Plants of the Chicago Region and new research both say that this species is native to the Chicago area.

Jacob’s ladder often matures to a height and spread of 1 to 2 feet. Plants spread by self-seeding and producing offsets from underground stem structures (rhizomes).

Jacob’s ladder has a native range that includes the Eastern and Central United States. C-Value: 8.

Jacob’s ladder attracts a number of bee species, including an andrenid bee that specializes in pollinating Jacob’s ladder. Bee flies, butterflies, skippers, and moths are also attracted to Jacob’s ladder.

What look like separate leaves on Jacob’s ladder are actually leaflets that make up a bigger, about 8-inch compound leaf. The compound leaves occur in an alternate arrangement on the stems. With one leaflet at the very end, the five to fifteen leaflets are arranged in a way that looks like a feather. They get narrower at the ends and widest near the middle (elliptic), have smooth edges (full margins), are a medium green color, and connect directly to the center stalk (rachis).

Jacob’s ladder has light to medium blue-violet, bell-shaped flowers that grow in loose, nodding clusters. Each flower has a reddish, tube-shaped structure that looks like a leaf. It has five triangular lobes that surround the five ovate petals that have slightly wavy edges. When the petals open, the flower has an approximate diameter of two-thirds of an inch. Five long stamens with widened tips that carry pollen are sticking out from the middle of the petals. There is also one long structure in the middle (female pistil) that splits into three at the tip, making a three-parted style. The flowers of the Jacob’s ladder plant grow at the ends of the upper stems and on long stems (peduncles) that grow from between the upper leaves. The branched inflorescences (panicles) mature upwards from the bottom.

The Jacob’s ladder fruits are dry, split into three cells, and split open when they’re ready (capsules). They grow inside of the persistent calyx.

Plant in full sun to full shade in moist, well-drained soil. Jacob’s ladder can be divided in late summer. Deadheading can reduce self-seeding and encourage continuous blooming.

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With its delicate, bell-shaped blooms perched atop tall slender stems, the jacob’s ladder plant is a heavenly addition to partly shaded garden beds and borders Known botanically as Polemonium caeruleum, this perennial wildflower lights up shady areas with its signature fluorescent blue blossoms The fern-like foliage arranged in ladder-like tiers also makes this plant visually striking.

Here is an image gallery showcasing the beauty of the jacob’s ladder plant along with tips on how to grow this enchanting flower in your own garden:

Identifying Jacob’s Ladder Plants

Jacob’s ladder is a clump-forming perennial that grows 1-2 feet tall and can spread 1-2 feet wide when happy. The light green pinnately compound leaves have a ladder-like appearance with leaflets arranged in opposite pairs along the leaf rachis or stem.

The tubular flowers bloom in loose clusters rising above the foliage in late spring to early summer. Popular varieties like ‘Bressingham Purple’ and ‘Snow and Sapphires’ have violet-blue and white blooms respectively.

![Jacob’s ladder plant with blue bell-shaped flowers and fern-like foliage][]

Jacob’s ladder plant with signature blue bell-shaped flowers. Image by Bluemorphos / iStock / Getty Images

Growing Conditions for Jacob’s Ladder

  • Partial shade or dappled sunlight
  • Moist, well-drained loamy soil
  • Cool climate, withstands light frost
  • Zone 3-8

How to Plant Jacob’s Ladder

Jacob’s ladder can be planted in spring or fall. Space plants 12-15 inches apart in groups or clusters. Dig a hole 2 times the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the nursery container. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to retain moisture.![Jacob’s ladder planted in groups under trees][]

Jacob’s ladder planted in groups under trees. Image by Nikola Spasenoski / iStock / Getty Images

Caring for Jacob’s Ladder Plants

  • Water regularly in dry periods
  • Cut back spent flower stems to encourage reblooming
  • Divide congested clumps every 2-3 years in spring
  • Remove dead leaves and stems in fall
  • Mulch annually with compost

Companion Plants for Jacob’s Ladder

Good companion plants for jacob’s ladder include:

  • Ferns
  • Astilbe
  • Hosta
  • Coral bells
  • Wild ginger
  • Japanese forest grass![Jacob’s ladder plant combined with coral bells and hosta][]

Jacob’s ladder combined with coral bells and hosta. Image by julief514 / iStock / Getty Images

Common Problems with Jacob’s Ladder

Avoid these issues for healthy jacob’s ladder plants:

  • Leaf scorch from too much sun
  • Powdery mildew fungal disease
  • Root rot from overwatering
  • Slugs or snails feeding on leaves

How to Propagate Jacob’s Ladder

Propagate new plants by dividing established clumps in early spring. Gently tease apart separated sections, retaining some roots on each, and replant 12-15 inches apart.

Jacob’s ladder’s wispy graceful flowers and soft ferny foliage make it a fairyland plant that looks right at home in cottage gardens, woodland settings and shaded rock gardens. With the proper site and care, you can enjoy this ephemeral perennial for many years.

picture of jacob's ladder plant

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Jacob’s Ladder Plant Profile

FAQ

Does Jacobs ladder come back every year?

Jacob’s Ladder is native wildflower of eastern North America, a spring ephemeral, which is to say it grows in deciduous woodlands and blooms early. It takes advantage of spring light, before the woods wake up. By the time the trees leaf out, the flowers are finished.

Does Jacob’s ladder plant like sun or shade?

Jacob’s Ladder prefers partial shade but can tolerate some sun, especially in cooler climates. In regions with intense summer heat, it’s important to protect the plant from harsh afternoon sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. A location with dappled sunlight or light morning sun followed by afternoon shade is ideal.

Is Jacob’s ladder an invasive plant?

Does Jacob’s ladder plant spread? These plants will very easily self-seed and spread in an uncontrolled (but not invasive) fashion in the garden unless the spent flowers are removed before the seeds can fall.

What is another name for Jacob’s ladder plant?

Polemonium caeruleum, known as Jacob’s-ladder or Greek valerian, is a hardy perennial flowering plant.

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