Jacob's Ladder

About this plant

Polemonium reptans, commonly known as Jacob's Ladder, is a lovely native perennial known for its distinctive ladder-like leaves and attractive clusters of blue to lavender, bell-shaped flowers. Blooming in late spring to early summer, these blossoms create a soft, ethereal display in woodland gardens, shaded borders, or naturalized areas. Its finely textured foliage, often with a bronze blush on new growth, remains attractive throughout the growing season, providing a beautiful groundcover or filler among larger plants. Jacob's Ladder is a low-maintenance choice that thrives in conditions often challenging for other flowering plants. Ideal for creating a serene and naturalistic feel, this plant is perfect for gardeners seeking understated elegance and reliable performance in their shaded landscapes. Pair it with ferns, hostas, and other shade-loving perennials for a captivating woodland tableau.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily grown in average to moist, well-draining soil. Provide a good layer of mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage tidiness, though it may self-seed if left to mature. Generally pest and disease free.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.