Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium), also known as barrier herb or ladder to heaven, blooms beautifully in white, blue or purple and beautifies herbaceous beds and naturally designed gardens. The perennial, which grows up to 90 centimeters high, thrives in moist meadows in Europe, Asia and North America. The plant is undemanding, easy to care for and very hardy.
Is Jacob's Ladder hardy?
Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium) is a hardy perennial that can survive outdoors without additional winter protection. Only when planting in containers should the roots be protected by an insulating base and an insulating fleece.
Plant Jacob's Ladder in a suitable location
So that your Jacob's ladders can survive the winter, they should be planted in a suitable location. Plants don't like places that are too dry; they will wither and eventually die. It is best to place the perennials in a sunny to partially shaded location in nutrient-rich and moist soil. However, avoid waterlogging by providing the substrate with good drainage. The best way to do this is to loosen up heavy soil with coarse gravel when planting. In addition, the soil should be as nutrient-rich as possible.
Prepare for winter by pruning
Prepare Jacob's Ladder for winter by cutting the plant back vigorously before the winter break. The pruning can be done up to just a hand's breadth above the ground. No further protective measures are necessary for the hardy plant. Only if you want to propagate the plant through self-sowing should you refrain from pruning it in late autumn. Instead, do this on a frost-free day in late winter. The advantage of pruning is the prophylaxis against fungal diseases and wilt; after all, the dried plant parts offer pathogens a broad surface to attack.
Overwintering Jacob's Ladder in a bucket
In contrast to planted Jacob's ladders, perennials kept in pots should be provided with winter protection, as the risk of root damage from frost is much higher. To do this, place the pot on a base made of Styrofoam or wood and, if necessary, wrap it with an insulating fleece. However, the cut plant can be covered with spruce or pine branches.
Tip
Jacob's ladder must not dry out even in winter. Water the plant - especially if it is in a pot - from time to time, especially after frosts.
