Overview
Polemonium foliosissimum is a perennial in the genus Polemonium, part of the Polemoniaceae family. Polemonium foliosissimum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock gardens, borders and wildflower gardens. It is native to Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.
About
Polemonium foliosissimum is a perennial in the Polemoniaceae that produces its flowers from May to July. It originates from several western US states, including Arizona, Colorado and Utah. In cultivation it favours well-drained sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH and tolerates full sun to partial shade. The plant suits rock gardens, borders and wildflower areas where moist but well-drained conditions can be provided.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polemonium foliosissimum
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 foliosissimum is a perennial member of the phlox family native to western United States states such as Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. It comes from a range of dry to montane regions in those states, which informs its preference for soils that drain freely while retaining some moisture. Flowering occurs from May to July. Plant where it receives full sun or partial shade and in a site with well-drained sandy or loamy soil; a neutral to slightly acidic pH suits it best. Soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged — the species tolerates sheltered to exposed positions and can be grown on north, east, south or west aspects. In UK terms it is rated H5, meaning it is hardy across most garden locations. Use Polemonium foliosissimum in rock gardens, mixed borders or naturalistic wildflower plantings where summer flowering will be visible; its native range suggests a tolerance for variable conditions rather than constantly wet ground. Expect a reliable display across the May to July period.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Polemonium
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist, well-drained
- Aspect
- north, east, south, west
- Exposure
- sheltered to exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Polemonium foliosissimum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, borders, wildflower gardens
- Native to
- Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Polemonium foliosissimum
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and partial shade; avoid waterlogged conditions; mulch in winter
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Polemonium foliosissimum?
Prefers well-drained soil and partial shade; avoid waterlogged conditions; mulch in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Polemonium foliosissimum?
Polemonium foliosissimum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.
What soil does Polemonium foliosissimum need?
Polemonium foliosissimum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, sandy and loamy. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Polemonium foliosissimum?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Polemonium foliosissimum hardy in the UK?
Polemonium foliosissimum has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Polemonium foliosissimum?
Seed, division.
