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Herbaceous Perennial

Polemonium caeruleum Brise d'Anjou ('Blanjou'PBR) (v)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Jacob's ladder [Brise d'Anjou]

A clump-forming perennial to 90cm tall, with ladder-like, pinnate mid-green leaves composed of leaflets edged creamy-yellow, fading to white in shade, and bearing sprays of blue flowers 2.5cm wide with prominent yellow stamens in early summer

Synonyms
Polemonium caeruleum 'Blanjou'PBR

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Variegated Cream
Summer Blue Green Variegated Cream
Autumn Green Variegated Cream
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Polemoniaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Polemonium can be annuals or herbaceous perennials or upright or spreading habit, with pinnate leaves and usually clustered, tubular, bell, or funnel-shaped flowers

Name status

Trade

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any fertile, moist but well-drained soil preferably in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back to the base in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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