Charity

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Polemonium caeruleum

What is the plant

Polemonium caeruleum, known as Jacob's-ladder or Greek valerian, is a hardy perennial flowering plant. The plant produces cup-shaped, lavender-coloured or white flowers. It is native to temperate regions of Europe.

Polemonium caeruleum is a perennial flowering plant species from the family Polemoniaceae. Other plants in the family include annual Phlox and Cobaea scandens. Native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia where it is mainly seen growing in damp woodlands, grasslands, and meadows. The plant is commonly referred to as Jacob’s ladder due to the unique, somewhat ladder-like arrangement of its leaves. The pattern of leaf formation is called pinnate and is quite uncommon among flowering plants. However, the plant’s real attraction and the reason for its popularity are not the leaves or their unique arrangement, but its vibrant flowers. In addition to Jacob’s ladder, the plant is also known as Greek valerian, American great valerian, Charity plant, Ladder to heaven , and Make-bate.

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Lighting

Part Sun

Hardiness zone

4a - 9b

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Jacob’s ladder requires medium moisture levels, so water it accordingly. However, make sure to not water too much; the soil should be moist, but not wet. The right amount of watering ensures a longer blooming period.
Fertilizer
Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer in early spring, when the new growth starts to emerge, and then again after deadheading. Alternatively, apply a layer of compost around the plant, a few times around the year.
Sunlight
It prefers partial shade and may develop sunburn and scorch if it receives too much of full sun. On the other hand, it can tolerate full shade.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
Polemonium caeruleum plants grow best in rich, moist, loose, and well-draining soil. While the plant prefers moist soil, it cannot tolerate wet or waterlogged soil. It doesn’t have very specific pH requirements but performs best in the soil with neutral pH within the range of 6.2 to 7.0.
Temperature
This plant is considered hardy in the areas with the lowest winter temperatures of −34.4°C (−30°F). The perennial plant dies every year in autumn, but since it is hardy, it starts producing new growth again as the weather starts to get a little warm, in spring.
Popularity
140 people already have this plant 35 people have added this plant to their wishlists