Overview
Polemonium caeruleum 'Album' is a clump forming, spreading perennial in the genus Polemonium, part of the Polemoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Polemonium caeruleum 'Album' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Polemonium caeruleum, known as Jacob's-ladder or Greek valerian, is a hardy perennial flowering plant. The plant produces cup-shaped, blue or white flowers.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polemonium caeruleum
About the genus
Polemonium, commonly called Jacob's ladders or Jacob's-ladders, is a genus of between 25 and 40 species of flowering plants in the family Polemoniaceae, native to cool temperate to arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. One species, Polemonium micranthum, also occurs in the southern Andes in South America. Many of the species grow at high altitudes, in mountainous areas.
Wikipedia contributors, "Polemonium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polemonium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Polemonium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Polemonium caeruleum 'Album' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Spreading
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.4 m
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Polemonium caeruleum 'Album'
- Propagation
- Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Polemonium caeruleum 'Album'?
Polemonium caeruleum 'Album' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Polemonium caeruleum 'Album' need?
Polemonium caeruleum 'Album' grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Polemonium caeruleum 'Album' grow?
Polemonium caeruleum 'Album' reaches a height of 0.4 m.
Is Polemonium caeruleum 'Album' hardy in the UK?
Polemonium caeruleum 'Album' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Polemonium caeruleum 'Album'?
Division in spring.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Polemonium genus
- Polemonium caeruleum 'Dawn Flight'Jacob's Ladder
- Polemonium caeruleum 'Rose Queen'Jacob's Ladder 'Rose Queen'
- Polemonium carneummountain valerian
- Polemonium flavumYellow Jacob's Ladder
- Polemonium foliosissimumtowering Jacob's-ladder
- Polemonium kiushianumJacob's Ladder
