Perennial of the Month-- March 2009

(pole-uh-mO' knee-um  rep'-tans) (pronunciation at link, turn up volume if too low)

Common name: Variegated Jacob's Ladder

Family: Polemoniaceae, Jacob's ladder

Height x width: 12-24" x 12-18"

Growth rate, habit: medium, upright

Foliage: green with white margins tinged pink, unique for species, compound with 7-15 leaflets each about one-inch long; leaflets arranged ladder-like along long (3-7in.) leaves, hence the common name

Flowers: pale lavender-blue with white stamens, 3/4-inch, bell-shaped, early- to mid-summer in loose, drooping clusters (corymbs)

Hardiness: USDA zones 3-7 (possibly warmer)

Soil: prefers moist, fertile, well-drained but somewhat adaptable

Light: part to full sun, protection from afternoon sun in hot climates

Pests and problems: none serious

Landscape habit, uses: borders, mass plantings, cut flower or foliage, specimen, wildflower garden; combines well with columbine, coralbells, astilbe, hosta, ornamental carex, solomon's seal, 'Espresso' geranium, white-flowered geraniums

Other interest: selected by Bill Cullina when with the New England Wildflower Society as a seedling of the species, introduced 2002, US Plant Patent PP 15187; deer resistant; species is a wildflower of eastern woodlands and midwest plains; similar to cultivars of species caeruleum 'Brise d'Anjou' and 'Snow and Sapphires' 

Other culture: grows best in cool climates, more variegation with more sun; easy to grow, noted for vigor; deadheading may encourage some late summer rebloom in warmer climates

Propagation: commercial propagation only by licensed propagators; at home divide in spring or fall if needed, but not usually needed

Sources:  many specialty perennial nurseries