Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium reptans)

Description: Hardy, herbaceous perennial flower - Nodding, periwinkle-blue flowers in late spring to early summer; neat, pinnate, ladder-like leaves
Habit: Grows 8 to 15 inches high and wide, clump forming
Culture: Prefers part shade and moist, well-drained soils; will tolerate heavy clay
Hardiness:USDA Zones 3 through 8
Attributes: Deer resistant

This showy perennial flower is native over much of the eastern United States. Known to have been in cultivation in Europe by 1758, it was listed as Creeping Greek Valerian in Philadelphia nurseryman Bernard McMahon's 1804 Broadside of seeds and plants. Jacob's Ladder was being grown more generally in American gardens by 1850. Also known as Sweet Root and Blue-eyed Susan, Polemonium reptans self-sows readily and is suitable in the wild garden or perennial border. The blue European Valerian (Polemonium caeruleum) is a related species also found in early American gardens.

Arrives in a 2.5" pot.