How to Plant and Grow Jacob's Ladder

Jacob’s ladder is a genus of shade perennials that was named after the foliage. The long compound leaves have small leaflets along a central stem that resemble a ladder. The plant is a spring ephemeral that produces clusters of dainty, bell-shaped blue blossoms. There are more than two dozen species in the Polemonium genus, including some that are native to North America. Most have blue flowers but there are some pleasing pink and white options as well. Many varieties of Jacob's ladder are also prized for their foliage. Other species boast purple-tinged leaves in spring that fade to a deep emerald color. These plants hold their own in part shade, adding texture to any garden.

Where to Plant Jacob's Ladder

Jacob’s ladder is a woodland plant and most varieties grow best in partial shade where the soil is rich in organic matter, moist but well-drained, with a pH in the slightly acidic to neutral range.

Plant Jacob’s ladder in woodland gardens or under deciduous trees or shrubs so it gets the shade it needs. Locations with northern exposure are also a good option. Together with hellebores and other spring-blooming perennials, it creates a lively floral display early in the season.

How and When to Plant Jacob's Ladder

Early spring is the best time to plant Jacob's ladder because it gives it the entire growing season to develop a strong root system. Fall planting is also possible as long as it is six weeks before the first fall frost.

Dig a hole about twice the diameter of the nursery container and about the same depth. Place the plant in the hole and fill in original soil to the top of the root ball. Gently tamp down the soil and water it well. Keep the soil evenly moist in the absence of rain until the plant is established.

Space plants 12 inches apart.

Jacob's Ladder Care Tips

In growing conditions that resemble the plant’s native woodland habitat, Jacob’s ladder is easy to grow.

Light

Except for northern locations where Jacob's ladder tolerates more sun exposure, Jacob’s ladder prospers in the shade. Sun exposure tolerance also depends on the cultivar. Solid green leaf varieties can handle more sun as long as the soil never dries out. Variegated types need more shade as too much sun burns their tender foliage. In deep, full shade, some variegated varieties may green up and be less vibrant. The key is to balance the appropriate amount of sun to keep the foliage looking good, while also finding the right amount to encourage the most blossoms.

Soil and Water

The plant thrives in loamy, rich, organic soils with a pH between 6.2 and 7.0. Poor soil should be amended with compost before planting. Jacob's ladder requires moist but well-drained soil; it struggles when the soil is wet for long periods. It also has a low drought tolerance and will go dormant in dry conditions. During extended dry spells, plan on additional watering.

Temperature and Humidity

While the hardiness varies slightly between the different Polemonium species, the plants share a preference for a temperate climate with cool summers. Jacob’s ladder is quite winter-hardy but does not fare well in hot summers and extremely humid conditions.

Fertilizer

In a woodland setting, leaf mold from deciduous trees naturally adds nutrients to the soil so it does not need fertilizer. In a garden setting, apply a slow-release granular fertilizer once in the springtime just as the new growth starts.

Pruning

Pruning is usually not required but when the plant starts to look a bit unsightly, you can trim the foliage back for a neater appearance. Deadheading the spent blooms is optional; it prevents plants from wasting energy on seed production. Some varieties of Jacob's ladder will naturalize by reseeding themselves around, so if you want to prevent the plant from spreading, keep up with deadheading.

Potting and Repotting Jacob's Ladder

Jacob’s ladder makes a good container plant. Use a pot with large drainage holes and fill it with a combination of well-draining potting mix and compost. Keep in mind that container plants require more frequent watering and fertilization than plants in the landscape.

Although Jacob’s ladder is winter-hardy in cold climates, in containers, the roots are exposed to the cold and you’ll need to winterize the pots. Insulate them by sinking the container in the ground or by placing it in a second, larger pot to create a planting silo.

Repot the plant to a larger pot with fresh potting mix when the root system has reached the sides of the container, or the roots grow out of the drainage holes.

Pests and Problems

The plant is rarely affected by serious pests or diseases and is seldom eaten by deer. The plant is most vulnerable when it is under stress from too much sun, too much moisture or humidity, or drought. Potential pests include slugs, leafminers, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. 

How to Propagate Jacob's Ladder

The easiest way to propagate Jacob’s ladder is by division. Whether you would like more plants or not, the division is recommended in any event for rejuvenation as the center of the clumps dies back after 2 to 4 years. 

In the spring, carefully dig out the entire clump and separate it into smaller sections. Replant them at the same depth as the original plant and water them well until they are established.

Types of Jacob's Ladder

'Stairway to Heaven' Jacob's Ladder

'Stairway to Heaven' is a variety of Polymonium reptans, which is native to North America. The variegated foliage and longevity account for the popularity of 'Stairway to Heaven'. It bears pink-and-white-edged leaves and lavender-blue flowers in early summer. It grows 2 feet tall. Zones 3-7

'Touch of Class' Jacob's Ladder

Polemonium reptans 'Touch of Class' originated as a sport of 'Stairway to Heaven'. It features even more cream-edged foliage and has the typical light blue flowers. Zones 3-7

'Brize D'Anjou' Jacob's Ladder

Polemonium caeruleum is native to Europe. This cultivar is not as floriferous as many others, but its leaves are dramatically rimmed with creamy white. It grows 2 feet tall. Zones 4-9

'Bressingham Purple' Jacob's Ladder

This compact variety of Polemonium caeruleum bears large light purple flowers. It grows 2 feet tall. Zones 4-9

Jacob's Ladder Companion Plants

Coral Bells

Previously enjoyed mainly for their spires of dainty reddish flowers, coral bells are now grown as much for the unusual mottling and veining of different-color leaves. The low clumps of long-stemmed evergreen or semi-evergreen lobed foliage make coral bells fine groundcover plants that grow both in sunny and shady locations. Zone 3-9

Foamflower

This close cousin to coral bells is another popular shade garden plant. While the foliage of this woodland native may not be quite as showy as coral bells, foamflower compensates with a bounty of blossoms. In the spring, Tiarella cordifolia plants are loaded with spires of foamy white flowers which give the trusty perennials their common name. Zone 3-9

Solomon’s Seal

With its arching stems, this classic shade garden plant adds an architectural component to garden beds. In spring, the stems of Solomon's seal are lined with small, bell-shaped, white blooms. The flowers later give way to bluish-black berries that wildlife love. The spreading and clumping habit of this plant makes it an excellent groundcover for shady spots. Zone 3-9