Tall Jacob's-ladder (Polemonium acutiflorum) is an upright perennial with striking blue to violet, star-shaped flowers on tall stems, blooming in summer.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
50% intensity
Prefers morning sun and afternoon shade in hotter climates.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained, moist
50% intensity
Cool to Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers cooler temperatures; can struggle in extreme heat.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed sparingly with balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during warmer months. Reduce watering in autumn and winter.
Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Good drainage is crucial.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming and prevent self-seeding if unwanted.
After flowering, you can cut back the plant by about a third to maintain a tidy appearance and promote stronger growth next season. Remove any dead or damaged foliage.
Propagate by division in spring or autumn. Carefully lift the plant and divide the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each has healthy roots and shoots.
Replant divisions immediately into well-prepared soil and water thoroughly. Can also be grown from seed sown in autumn or early spring.
Established plants generally do not require frequent repotting and prefer to be left undisturbed. If repotting is necessary, typically every 2-3 years, do so in early spring or autumn.
Use a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Tall Jacob's-Ladder (Polemonium acutiflorum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Polemonium |
| Species | Polemonium acutiflorum |
Similar in genus Polemonium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
