Jacob's Ladder Polemonium yezoense var. hidakanum Bressingham Purple = 'Polbress'
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ABOUT
The plant known as Bressingham Purple is characterized by its striking foliage and blossoms. The leaves typically have a lush, fern-like appearance, presenting in striking purple or deep green hues that add a touch of drama to any garden setting. Come flowering time, Bressingham Purple showcases clusters of bell-shaped flowers which dangle delicately from slender stems. These blossoms are frequently observed in shades of blue or violet, a colorful contrast that can draw the eye and add a whimsical quality to the plant's overall presence. The combination of its unique foliage color and its charming flowers makes Bressingham Purple a notable and attractive addition to ornamental gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Polemoniaceae
Synonyms
Bressingham Purple Jacob's Ladder, Variegated Jacob's Ladder, Purple-leaf Jacob's Ladder
Common names
Polemonium yezoense var. hidakanum 'Bressingham Purple'.
ToxicityTo humans
Jacob's Ladder 'Bressingham Purple' is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to humans. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid ingesting any plant parts unless they are known to be edible. Ingesting non-edible plants can sometimes cause gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in some individuals.
To pets
Jacob's Ladder 'Bressingham Purple' is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. However, as with humans, it is generally advised to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not specifically intended for consumption due to the risk of gastrointestinal upset or potential unknown toxicities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Produces striking purple foliage and bell-shaped flowers, adding vibrant color and visual interest to gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water-use gardens.
- Easy to Grow: Known to be easy to cultivate, making it suitable for novice gardeners or those with less time for maintenance.
- Compact Growth: Its compact size allows it to fit well in smaller gardens or as part of mixed border plantings.
- Cold Hardy: It's capable of surviving in cooler climates and can tolerate frost, broadening its range of suitable growing zones.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides seasonal interest with foliage in spring and summer and flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.
- Versatility: Can be used in a variety of garden settings, including rock garden displays, borders, and as ground cover.
- Deer Resistant: Less appealing to deer than other garden plants, reducing the likelihood of damage from wildlife.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Jacob's Ladder can be used as a natural dye, with various parts of the plant producing different hues when used in textile dyeing.
- The plant's attractive foliage can be used in floral arrangements, adding a delicate and feathery green contrast to bouquets.
- In photography, the unique structure and color of Jacob's Ladder make it an interesting subject for macro and nature photography.
- Jacob's Ladder can be planted in outdoor classroom spaces to attract pollinators, which can then be observed and studied by students.
- The plant can be used in themed gardens, such as 'Purple Gardens' where various purple-flowered and -foliaged plants are aesthetically grouped together.
- Jacob's Ladder can serve as home to beneficial insects, providing a natural form of pest control in a garden by attracting predator insects.
- Used in a sensory garden, the plant's soft texture can be experienced through touch, and its flowers through smell.
- When planted along the edges of ponds or streams, Jacob's Ladder can help reduce soil erosion due to its clumping growth habit.
- Jacob's Ladder leaves can be used as a natural filler in mixed potted plant arrangements, adding variety and contrasting shape.
- The plant can be used in educational plant identification and horticulture training programs to teach about plant growth patterns and the identification of perennials.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiJacob's Ladder is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityJacob's Ladder is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Humility: The Polemonium, commonly known as Jacob's Ladder, has a simple yet delicate form, which leads to its association with the virtue of humility.
- Spiritual thought: Jacob's Ladder is named after the biblical story of Jacob dreaming of a ladder reaching to heaven, symbolizing the connection between the earthly and the divine.
- Guidance: With its ladder-like leaf arrangement, Jacob's Ladder can be symbolic of guidance or the journey of life, reflecting the rungs of a ladder that one climbs towards personal or spiritual growth.
WaterJacob's Ladder 'Bressingham Purple' prefers evenly moist soil, so it's best to water it thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This might mean watering approximately once a week, but frequency can vary depending on temperature and humidity. Use about 1 gallon of water per plant each time you water, ensuring a deep watering to encourage root growth. During particularly hot or dry periods, you may need to water more frequently to maintain moisture levels. It's important not to overwater as this can lead to root rot, so always check the soil moisture before adding water.
LightJacob's Ladder 'Bressingham Purple' thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. It is ideal to place it in a location where it receives filtered sunlight or a few hours of direct morning sun followed by shade in the afternoon. Avoid exposing the plant to harsh midday sun which can scorch the leaves.
TemperatureJacob's Ladder 'Bressingham Purple' is hardy and grows best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. It can survive minimal winter temperatures down to 0°F but should be protected from extreme cold. The plant may struggle and become stressed if exposed to prolonged periods above 90°F.
PruningJacob's Ladder 'Bressingham Purple' should be pruned to remove spent flower stalks and encourage a second bloom. Light pruning can also be done to maintain shape and remove any damaged or yellowing leaves. The best time for pruning is after the first flush of blooms in late spring or early summer. Deadheading will enhance the plant's appearance and promote more blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Jacob's Ladder 'Polbress' thrives in moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A soil mix incorporating organic matter such as peat moss or compost will help retain adequate moisture while ensuring good drainage.
RepottingJacob's Ladder 'Polbress' generally does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2–3 years, or when it becomes root-bound and the growth seems to be affected due to limited space.
Humidity & MistingJacob's Ladder 'Polbress' prefers a moderate humidity level, consistent with normal outdoor humidity levels. It does not require particularly high humidity, but avoid placing it in excessively dry conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Jacob's Ladder 'Polbress' in bright indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant Jacob's Ladder 'Polbress' in partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycle'Bressingham Purple' Jacob's Ladder, as Polemonium yezoense var. hidakanum 'Polbress' is commonly known, begins its life as a seed, which upon germination in favorable conditions of moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, emerges as a seedling. As the plant matures, it develops a clump-forming habit with pinnate leaves, and by spring to early summer, it enters a vegetative stage characterized by vigorous leaf growth. The next stage is the flowering phase, where it produces clusters of bell-shaped, vibrant purple flowers atop leafy stems, which attract various pollinators to its nectar-rich blooms. Following pollination, the plant sets seed that can be dispersed to form new individuals, while the parent plant's foliage often remains attractive into the fall. As winter approaches, the plant enters a period of dormancy, where above-ground parts may die back, but the roots remain alive, storing energy to begin the cycle anew the following spring. With proper care, 'Bressingham Purple' Jacob's Ladder is a herbaceous perennial that can repeat this life cycle for several years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Propogation: The Jacob's Ladder 'Bressingham Purple', typically propagated by division, is best done in the spring or early fall. To propagate through division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, each with its own set of roots and shoots. These sections can be immediately replanted in well-prepared soil, ensuring that they are placed at the same depth they were originally growing. Regular watering will help the divisions establish in their new locations. This method leverages the plant's natural tendency to grow in clumps, making it an effective way to create new plants that will be true to the characteristics of the parent plant.
