About

A herbaceous perennial producing a mound of foliage with very small leaflets in dark green flushed with purple-black. Star-shaped, purple flowers with prominent stamens and cream anthers appear in small clusters on dark stems in early 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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrow in any fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningCut back foliage to ground level at the end of the season
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame, in autumn or spring, and select seedlings with the best-coloured foliage or divide in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistancePowdery mildews can sometimes be a problem