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Polemonium yezoense var. hidakanum ‘Purple Rain’ (Jacob’s Ladder)

Jacob's Ladder 'Purple Rain', Hokkaido Jacob's Ladder 'Purple Rain', Polemonium 'Purple Rain'

Polemonium yezoense var. hidakanum 'Purple Rain', Jacob's Ladder 'Purple Rain', Hokkaido Jacob's ladder 'Purple Rain', Blue Flowers

Polemonium yezoense var. hidakanum ‘Purple Rain’ (Jacob’s Ladder) is a compact herbaceous perennial prized for its large clusters of star-shaped, purple flowers adorned with prominent stamens and cream anthers. Blooming in mid to late spring, the blossoms are borne atop dark stems and rise well above the foliage mound of finely divided, fern-like, dark green leaves flushed with purple-black. The leaves bear up to 20 very small leaflets that are supposed to represent the ladder of which Jacob dreamed and the angels climbed. Excellent for borders, the compact size makes this Polemonium suitable for edging, rock gardens, and containers.

  • Grows up to 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
  • Thrives in average, medium, well-drained soils in sun or part shade. Prefers fertile, moist soils. Do not let the soil dry out. Best with protection from the hot afternoon sun, particularly in warm summer areas. Intolerant of high heat and humidity.
  • A lovely plant for beds and borders, edging, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and containers.
  • Generally pest free. Keep an eye out for powdery mildews
  • Deadhead flowered stems in order to prevent self-seeding. Plants may be cut back to basal foliage after bloom to tidy the planting and to promote a potential rebloom in late summer.
  • Propagate by division in spring.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Polemoniaceae
Genus Polemonium
Common names Jacob's Ladder
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 15"
(30cm - 40cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Polemonium yezoense var. hidakanum Bressingham Purple (Jacob’s Ladder)
Polemonium caeruleum (Jacob’s Ladder)
Polemonium caeruleum Brise d’Anjou (Jacob’s Ladder)
Polemonium reptans (Creeping Jacob’s Ladder)
Polemonium caeruleum ‘Bambino Blue’ (Jacob’s Ladder)
Polemonium boreale ‘Heavenly Habit’ (Northern Jacob’s Ladder)

Recommended Companion Plants

Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’ (Avens)
Lupinus ‘The Chatelaine’ (Lupine)
Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’ (Purple Sage)
Allium atropurpureum (Ornamental Onion)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Polemonium (Jacob’s Ladder)
30 Great Perennials for Shade
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Polemoniaceae
Genus Polemonium
Common names Jacob's Ladder
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 15"
(30cm - 40cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Polemonium (Jacob's Ladder) to pick?
Compare Now

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