About
A bushy, clump-forming perennial to around 1m high, with long, pinnate leaves, divided into up to 30 lance-shaped leaflets held in offset pairs. Bell-shaped flowers, usually violet-blue but sometimes white, are produced in loose clusters on upright stems, from late spring through to late summer or early autumn. White-flowered varieties are often scented.
About the genus
Polemonium can be annuals or herbaceous perennials or upright or spreading habit, with pinnate leaves and usually clustered, tubular, bell, or funnel-shaped flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildflower meadow
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, will benefit from some shade where summers are hot
PruningDeadhead regularly to encourage new flowers
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring, or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews