Jacobs Ladder - what variety is this one and care advice

Rosie Cupcakes

I have had this Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium) for a few years but have lost the plant label. Does anyone know what variety is it?

It's hadn't done very well this year so some advice on improving its condition would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

pansyface

I think they are short-lived perennials, Rosie. I have never seen one with reddish leaves before - was it always like that?

If it flowered this year you should find lots of seedlings around and about.

bekkie hughes

No idea on the variety sorry, but they are fairly easy to please in open soil, are you keeping yours in the pot?



Have you ever changed the soil or fed it? Sorry if that sounds patronising, its not my intention, but its a simple fix which is usually overlooked

Bilje

I've got this dark leaved one too. I'll see if the label is somewhere around. I have the normal green leaved one as well, some have blue flowers some white. They are almost like weeds and are far more robust than the dark leaved. Mine are about three summers old and look very sad now.

Lyn

They prefer to be in open ground, for a two year old plant it would have been at least twice that size , you can plant it out now anywhere, I have them in full sun, full shade and everywhere in the middle, nice tuffies they are. Next year you can look down the sides of the plant and pull bits off with a bit of root, do it in the Spring and they will flower for you in the same year.

nutcutlet

Is it Purple Rain? There are others,

I don't find any of them very long-lived. I only grow the yellow ones now, the rest all get mildew.

Lyn

But so easy to take root cuttings from,  mine are still going strong, but then the cuttings were done in May.

nutcutlet

Do yours get mildew Lyn or is it because we're so dry here?

bekkie hughes

Must be how dry it is Nut, mine are ok

nutcutlet

Thanks bekkie, I think I'll have to do without them