Polemonium Brise d’Anjou
Brise d’Anjou Polemonium (Polemonium caeruleum) has green foliage similar to ferns with creamy white variegations. In addition to the beautiful foliage, violet-blue flowers bloom in late spring and early summer. Polemonium is commonly known as Jacob’s Ladder because the leaves grow opposite each other in a ladder-like pattern. Their variegated foliage can brighten up shady spots in gardens and beds.
Polemonium prefer more shady locations especially in the south. If they get too much sun, the leaves can burn. Brise d’Anjou does best in locations that are protected from the hot, afternoon sun. They tend to struggle and melt down during high heat and humidity.
They are happy in rich soil that is kept evenly moist and they get upset when the soil dries out. To keep them looking their best, trim the bloom stalks when they are finished. This could lead to another show of color later in the summer. Not too many things are known to bother these colorful plants, however, leaf spot and powdery mildew could occur in humid climates.
Plant in part shade to full shade 18-24″ apart. Grows 12-18″ tall and 18-24″ wide.
Polemonium Brise d;Anjou is available in our Perennial 1G Premium size category.
Polemonium Touch Of Class
Touch of Class Polemonium (Polemonium reptans) grows in a compact mound of delicate, fern-like foliage. The leaves are narrow and green with bright white borders. Fresh sprouts continue to emerge all summer, keeping Touch of Class looking good all season. In addition to the beautiful foliage, lightly scented, blue bells pop out of pink buds in late spring.
Polemonium reptans is native to a wide area of the Eastern US from Oklahoma to Georgia and Mississippi to Minnesota and along the East Coast to New York. Source: Touch of Class Jacob’s ladder Polemonium reptans Touch of Class from New England Wild Flower Society (nativeplanttrust.org)
When the blooms are spent trim them back to promote new growth and hopefully more blooms. Edge your shade garden or woodland path with these low mounding plants to add texture and a bit of color.
Keep the soil moist but make sure it drains well. Clean up the damaged foliage in the spring before new growth begins. This will keep Touch of Class looking clean, tidy and classy.
Plant in part shade to full shade 16-26″ apart. Grows 14-18″ tall and 14-16″ wide.
Polemonium Touch of Class is available in our Perennial 1G Premium size category.
