Jacob’s ladder earned its common name due to the rung-like arrangement of its pinnate, light green leaves.
Jacob’s Ladder Care
Here are the main care requirements for growing Jacob’s ladder.
Light
Jacob’s ladder plants prefer partial or dappled shade.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Water
Jacob’s ladder plants that receive regular watering will bloom longer and remain attractive into summer.
Water regularly to maintain medium moisture levels, but avoid soggy conditions.
During dry periods, you may need to water more frequently to keep the plants lush.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Very humid conditions can bring on leaf spot fungal diseases or powdery mildew.
Feed them again once the faded flowers have been cut back.
It has a similar appearance toP.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
caeruleum, but it is somewhat shorter and even more tolerant of cool conditions.
It is a short-lived perennial, however, often behaving as a biennial.
Despite the name, this plant does not spread by creeping rhizomes, but it spreads readily by self-seeding.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Pruning
In general, Jacob’s ladder requires minimal maintenance.
If the foliage starts to look tattered, it can be cut back and cleaned up.
New growth will replace the trimmed foliage.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Propagating Jacob’s Ladder
Jacob’s ladder propagates easily by being divided.
They divide most easily and successfully in early spring.
What Do Jacob’s Ladder’s Flowers Look and Smell Like?
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Many people liken the smell of the blue-colored flowers to that of a grape.
Insufficient water and sun scorch can cause the foliage, or just the leaf tips, to start browning.
Polemonium caeruleumis a long-lived perennial in the right conditions and if it is fed properly.
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Polemonium caeruleum.Missouri Botanical Garden.
