About

A clump-forming perennial to around 70cm tall with variegated, divided leaves; lance-shaped leaflets emerge with purple-pink edges that fade to creamy-yellow. Dark, upright stems bear clusters of blue-purple flowers from late spring into summer.

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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in any fertile, moist but well-drained soil preferably in full sun or partial shade
PruningDeadhead flowered stems so as to prevent self-seeding
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free, but may be susceptible to powdery mildews