About This Plant
Polemonium reptans, commonly called Jacob’s Ladder, is a graceful native woodland perennial that adds charm and early-season color to shaded gardens. From mid to late spring, clusters of delicate, bell-shaped flowers in shades of soft blue to lavender rise above a mound of lush, ladder-like foliage, whose pinnate leaflets give the plant its name. Its airy blossoms sway gently in the breeze, lending a natural elegance to shady plantings.
Reaching 12–18 inches in height, Jacob’s Ladder thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soils and performs best in part to full shade, making it perfect for woodland edges, shaded borders, and damp lowlands. It tolerates clay and seasonal moisture while maintaining a refined, garden-worthy appearance.
Ecologically, Jacob’s Ladder is highly valued as an early nectar source for native bees, bumblebees, and butterflies. Its foliage is rarely browsed by deer, allowing it to persist in woodland settings where other species may struggle.
A dependable, low-maintenance perennial, Polemonium reptans is a wonderful choice for naturalized woodland gardens, pollinator habitats, and shaded rain gardens. Its combination of fern-like texture and spring blossoms makes it a standout in early-season landscapes while supporting vital pollinators.