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BISHOP’S LADDER (Polemonium caeruleum) - 6" Pot - 3 for $18 or Each at - $7 (Sequim)
condition:
new
make / manufacturer:
Polemonium Caeruleum
model name / number:
Bishop's Ladder
size / dimensions:
6" pot
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These plants are from separations and have been growing in our area for over 15 years thus already climatized.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Height: 18–30 in
Spread: 12–18 in
Form: Upright clump; tidy, symmetrical
Foliage: Ladder‑like leaflets (name origin); soft green to blue‑green
Flowers: Blue, violet, or white bells; late spring–early summer
Fragrance: Light, clean, slightly sweet
LIGHT: Partial shade ideal (AM sun / PM shade).
Tolerates full sun in cool-summer climates if soil stays evenly moist.
Avoid hot, reflective exposures.
SOIL: Moist, well‑drained loam; tolerates clay if amended.
Prefers cool roots; mulch helps.
pH neutral to slightly acidic.
MOISTURE: Consistent moisture; dislikes drying out. Not drought‑tolerant. Avoid waterlogging.
HARDINESS: USDA Zones 3–7.
Performs well in cool nights, mild summers.
SEASONAL BEHAVIOR
SPRING: Fresh foliage emerges early; clean, fernlike. Flower stalks rise late spring.
SUMMER: Blooms early–mid summer.
Can look tired in heat; partial shade prevents collapse. Deadheading may trigger light rebloom.
FALL: Foliage yellows; cut back.
WINTER: Fully dormant; crown overwinters reliably.
MAINTENANCE: Cut back after bloom to refresh foliage. Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor and symmetry.
Mulch lightly to keep roots cool.
Deadhead to prevent self‑seeding if you want clean lines.
Stake only if in deep shade (stems stretch).
Excellent for woodland edges, north/east beds, and cool borders.
Plays well with: hostas, ferns, astrantia, brunnera, pulmonaria.
Good structural rhythm plant — upright but soft.
Not aggressive; stays where you put it.
Deer‑resistant to a point (not their first choice, but not immune).
Heat spells can cause leaf scorch.
PROPAGATION: Division in spring or fall (cleanest method). Seed easy; germinates cool. Self‑seeds lightly in ideal conditions.
USE CASES IN A RESTORATION BED:
Mid‑border vertical lift without heaviness. Transitional plant between shade and part‑sun zones. Softens hard edges (paths, stone, bed transitions). Reliable filler for cool, moist pockets.
In Carlsborg within 3/4 mi of Hiway 101
Plant