Jacob's Ladder Polemonium caeruleum subsp. caeruleum f. album
ABOUT
The plant known as Jacob's ladder is a charming perennial that is recognized for its distinctive foliage and floral characteristics. Each leaf, which adds a feathery texture to the garden, is composed of a series of smaller, oval-shaped leaflets arranged on either side of a central stalk, giving it a ladder-like appearance. The flowers are the most striking feature of the Jacob's ladder. This particular form sports blossoms that are pristine white in color. The blooms form in clumps or clusters at the top of the stems, each cluster composed of multiple, delicate, bell-shaped flowers with five petals that gracefully hang downwards. This floral display creates an ethereal and elegant effect in the garden. The plant typically has a bushy growth habit, which allows it to fill garden spaces with its lush, green leaves and stands of flowers. The stalks that hold the blooms rise above the foliage, displaying the flowers prominently. The contrast between the bright white flowers and the deep green leaves is visually striking, making this plant a desirable addition to many gardens for its ornamental value.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Jacob's Ladder, Greek Valerian, Charity, Polémon du Caucase.
Common names
Polemonium album, Polemonium coeruleum var. album.
ToxicityTo humans
Jacob's ladder, the most common name for Polemonium caeruleum subsp. caeruleum f. album, is not widely considered to be a toxic plant to humans. There is little information available on serious poisonous effects from consuming this plant. However, like all plants, sensitivity varies among individuals, and some people may experience mild gastrointestinal distress or allergic reactions if they ingest parts of the plant. It's always best to err on the side of caution and not consume any part of ornamental plants unless they are known to be edible.
To pets
Jacob's ladder is also not widely known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Although it is not listed among the commonly toxic plants to pets, animals may have individual sensitivities. Therefore, ingestion of Jacob's ladder could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, in some pets. As with humans, it's generally advisable to prevent pets from ingesting ornamental plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Jacob's Ladder, as it's commonly known, features striking white flowers that add beauty and visual interest to gardens and natural landscapes.
- Biodiversity Support: It offers food and habitat for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Once established in suitable conditions, it's relatively low maintenance, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Cooling Effect: Like many plants, Jacob's Ladder contributes to cooling the microclimate around it through the process of transpiration.
- Soil Enrichment: It helps enrich the soil by adding organic matter when its foliage decomposes.
- Erosion Control: The plant's root system can help in soil stabilization and the prevention of erosion in certain areas.
- Shade Tolerance: It can grow in partially shaded areas where many other plants might struggle, offering versatility in garden planning.
- Natural Pest Repellent: Certain insects may be naturally deterred by the plant, which can be beneficial for protecting nearby plants.
- Companion Planting: It can be used in companion planting to create beneficial plant communities in the garden, enhancing overall garden health.
- Seasonal Interest: Jacob's Ladder blooms in the spring to early summer, offering seasonal interest during these times.
- Wildlife Friendly: The plant can be part of a wildlife-friendly garden that aims to attract and support birds and other fauna.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Used in traditional medicine to reduce inflammation.
- Sedative: May have a calming effect and used to ease anxiety and promote sleep.
- Expectorant: Used to treat coughs by helping clear mucus from the respiratory tract.
- Antitussive: May suppress coughing.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Polemonium caeruleum, commonly known as Jacob's Ladder, can be used as a natural dye; its flowers have traditionally been used to impart a blue tint to fabrics and garments.
- In floral arrangements, the delicate foliage and striking flowers of Jacob's Ladder can add an elegant touch, especially in cottage garden-inspired bouquets.
- The plant can also serve as a food source for caterpillars of certain butterflies and moths, making it a valuable addition to butterfly gardens.
- Jacob's Ladder may be used in shady rock gardens for its ability to grow in less sunny conditions, providing texture and color contrast.
- The plant's seeds can be collected and used as an educational tool to teach children about the life cycle of plants and the importance of seed saving for biodiversity.
- Jacob's Ladder is sometimes incorporated into sensory gardens; its soft foliage provides a tactile experience, and its flowers have a subtle fragrance.
- Due to its attractiveness to pollinators, it can play a role in conservation landscaping designed to support bees, beetles, and other beneficial insects.
- The plant may be used in religious or symbolic gardens, as the name Jacob's Ladder has biblical references that can provide a spiritual or contemplative element.
- Jacob's Ladder's structure and growth pattern can be used as an example in botanical studies and horticulture education, exemplifying the characteristics of the family Polemoniaceae.
- In folklore, it has been planted in gardens and around homes as a charm thought to bring peace and tranquility, reflecting its namesake's dream of a ladder reaching to heaven.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Jacob's Ladder is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Jacob's Ladder is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Also known as Jacob's Ladder, Polemonium caeruleum is often associated with the restoration of balance and tranquility, symbolically offering the healing of emotional or spiritual wounds.
- Connection to Heaven: The name Jacob's Ladder itself is derived from the Biblical story of Jacob dreaming of a ladder reaching to heaven, making this flower a symbol of the connection between Earth and the divine.
- Guidance: As the plant is linked with the ladder in Jacob's dream, it can represent guidance and the path to enlightenment or understanding, suggesting a journey supported by a higher power.
WaterJacob's Ladder should be watered deeply but infrequently, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week, which is roughly equivalent to 0.623 gallons. Make sure the soil is well-drained and allow it to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. During hot and dry spells, you may need to water twice a week, but always check the soil moisture first. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so err on the side of too little rather than too much.
LightJacob's Ladder prefers partial shade to full shade, thriving best in a spot that receives dappled sunlight or light shade throughout the day. It can tolerate morning sun with afternoon shade, which makes it suitable for eastern exposures or under the canopy of larger trees. Avoid placing it in full, direct sunlight, as this can cause the foliage to scorch, and the plant may not flower as well.
TemperatureJacob's Ladder thrives in cooler temperatures, with ideal conditions being between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 50°F, and maximum temperatures should not exceed 80°F for extended periods. In areas with hot summers, ensure it is planted in a location that protects it from the intense heat of the afternoon.
PruningJacob's Ladder should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom. Deadheading, or cutting back the faded flower stalks, can be done throughout the blooming season. After the first flush of flowers, prune the plant back by about a third to promote healthy new growth and a potential second bloom later in the season. The best time for pruning is immediately after the first flowering period ends.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Jacob's Ladder prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture composed of loamy soil, peat, and sand in equal parts will create an ideal environment for growth.
RepottingJacob's Ladder should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container, to ensure continued health and space for root growth.
Humidity & MistingJacob's Ladder thrives best in average room humidity, about 40-50%, avoiding excessively dry or overly moist environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Jacob's Ladder in bright, indirect light; keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; ensure moist, well-drained soil; mulch to retain moisture.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cyclePolemonium caeruleum subsp. caeruleum f. album, commonly known as white Jacob's ladder, starts its life cycle as a seed typically sown in fall or early spring. The seeds germinate, given the right conditions of moisture and temperature, developing into small seedlings with a rosette of basal leaves. As the plant matures, it forms a clump with upright flowering stems that bear the characteristic ladder-like leaf arrangement and bell-shaped white flowers, which usually bloom in late spring to early summer. After pollination by insects, the flowers produce small capsule-like fruit that contain numerous seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Once the flowering and seed production are complete, the plant may die back, particularly in colder climates, undergoing a period of dormancy in winter. The life cycle can resume the following spring from existing rootstock or from the newly dispersed seeds, which can result in new plants establishing themselves in proximate locations.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
For the Jacob's Ladder, a common name for Polemonium caeruleum subsp. caeruleum f. album, propagation by seed is the most popular method. Sow the seeds in a cold frame as soon as they are ripe in the late summer. They may also be sown in early spring, but freshly planted seeds often have better viability. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil as they need light to germinate. Once seedlings have emerged and are large enough to handle, usually when they have a few sets of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots. The young plants can be moved to their final positions in the garden in late spring or early summer, allowing them to become well-established before the onset of colder weather.
