About
Polemonium viscosum, sticky Jacob's ladder, is a compact, herbaceous perennial to 30 cm with sticky, pinnate leaves and blue-purple flowers borne in late spring and early summer. A rewarding and ornamental perennial for a sunny, moist, well-drained border or rock garden.
About the genus
Polemonium, Jacob's ladders, are annuals or herbaceous perennials with pinnate, ladder-like leaves and clusters of tubular, bell- or funnel-shaped flowers in blue, violet, pink or white from late spring to summer. Rewarding and reliable border plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesRock garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
Native toCanada to USA
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free but may be susceptible to powdery mildews