Jacob's Ladder, a hardy perennial is a very ornamental and graceful flowering plant of early Spring and Summer. The flowers are blue, or white, flat or bellshaped, and are borne in spikes; the foliage is very finely cut, much resembling fern fronds. Polemonium caeruleum or the Greek Valerian is rather bushy with long spikes, about 2 feet high, of sky-blue flowers with golden anthers. P. reptans, a native of our woods, is dwarf, growing 6"/15cm or 8"/20cm, with light blue flowers which come into bloom early in April. P. humile (Richardsonii) is very dainty and dwarf with small spikes of blue flowers growing from small rosettes of green, fern-like leaves. All the varieties bloom from April or May on through August or September.

Ideal Location - Jacob's ladder prefers slightly moist soil but will tolerate a fairly wide range of soil fertility. Part shade is preferred but full sun is appreciated in cooler climates. Full shade is tolerated in dappled or bright shade conditions and beneficial to polemonium plants in hot, humid summers. the plant can tolerate soil pH 5.1-7.8. Prior to planting use a medium-fertility soil improver if necessary.

Propagation Methods - Easily divided, polemonium species can also be grown from seed. Specific cultivars should be purchased as started plants or acquired through division since they may not come true from seed

Care & Maintenance - Jacobs ladder is a good plant for the early summer flowering garden, they should be spaced 12"-18" /30-45cm apart. If the leaves of the polemonium fade or scorch in the heat of summer the gardener should cut the stems down and water deeply to allow a fall flush of foliage, otherwise Jacob's ladder needs little maintenance.

Seed Collection - Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed. Wear gloves to protect hands when handling seeds. Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored

Pests or Diseases - Mildew can be a problem for polemonium in humid areas and sun scorch can brown the leaves if your Jacob's ladder gets too much sun but otherwise these perennials have few pest or disease problem

Medical Uses- 'It is under Mercury, and is alexipharmic, sudorific, and cephalic, and useful in malignant fevers and pestilential distempers; it helps in nervous complaints, headaches, trembling, palpitations of the heart, vapours, etc. It is good in hysteric cases, and epilepsies have been cured by the use of this herb.