Overview
Polemonium flavum is a perennial in the genus Polemonium, part of the Polemoniaceae family. Polemonium flavum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or rocky soil soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Suggested uses include rock gardens, alpine gardens and borders. It is native to western North America.
About
Polemonium flavum is a perennial in the Polemoniaceae that produces yellow flowers. It flowers from May to July and prefers well-drained, sandy or rocky soil in full sun or partial shade on south-facing, exposed sites. Native to western North America, Yellow Jacob's Ladder suits rock and alpine gardens and the front of borders.
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
In the garden
Polemonium flavum is a perennial member of the Polemoniaceae native to western North America and adapted to open, exposed situations. Its season of interest is the flowering period from May to July, when clusters of yellow blooms are produced. The plant's origin in rocky, mountainous terrain is reflected in its soil and siting preferences. Give it a sunny to part-shaded position, ideally south-facing, where drainage is fast; sandy or rocky substrates are appropriate and the plant performs best in neutral to alkaline pH. Moisture requirements are modest — dry to medium — so avoid heavy, waterlogged ground and favour a gritty, free-draining planting medium in crevices or raised beds. Polemonium flavum is especially at home in rock gardens, alpine beds and at the front of mixed borders where its compact flowering habit shows well against gravel or low stonework. Its concentrated bloom period from May to July makes it useful for creating a defined block of yellow colour in mountain-style or gravel planting schemes.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Polemonium
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- Soil pH
- neutral to alkaline
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- exposed, open areas
Plant details
Polemonium flavum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, alpine gardens, borders
- Native to
- western North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Polemonium flavum
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Polemonium flavum?
Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Polemonium flavum?
Polemonium flavum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and open areas positions.
What soil does Polemonium flavum need?
Polemonium flavum grows best in well-drained and sandy or rocky soil soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Polemonium flavum?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
How do I propagate Polemonium flavum?
Seed, division.
