Polemonium Boreale (Jacob's Ladder) - Heavenly Habit

Polemonium Boreale (Jacob's Ladder) - Heavenly Habit is a stunning compact perennial that produces clusters of delicate violet-blue, bell-shaped flowers with bright yellow centers from late spring through summer. This refined variety of Jacob's Ladder features attractive, fern-like foliage arranged in ladder-like leaflets that provide elegant texture even when the plant is not in bloom. Growing to just 12-15 inches tall, Heavenly Habit creates a tidy mound that works beautifully in cottage gardens, woodland settings, and mixed perennial borders where its cool-toned blooms complement warm-colored companions.

Key Features:

Produces abundant violet-blue flowers with contrasting yellow centers for weeks of garden interest. Features distinctive ladder-like, fern-similar foliage that provides attractive texture throughout the growing season. Maintains a compact, well-behaved habit that doesn't require staking or excessive maintenance. Performs exceptionally well in partial shade locations where many flowering perennials struggle. Creates excellent early-season color when many other perennials are just emerging. Attracts beneficial pollinators including bees and butterflies to enhance garden biodiversity.

Plant Care Instructions

1. Light Requirements:

- Prefers partial shade to filtered sunlight conditions.

- Thrives with morning sun and afternoon shade (4-6 hours of sunlight).

- Can tolerate more sun in cooler northern climates if soil moisture is maintained.

2. Watering:

- Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially during hot weather.

- Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

- Apply mulch to help retain soil moisture and moderate soil temperature.

3. Soil Type:

- Thrives in rich, humus-rich soil with excellent drainage.

- Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).

- Add compost or leaf mold to improve soil structure and fertility.

4. Temperature & Hardiness Zone:

- Hardy to Zone 3b, withstanding winter temperatures down to -37°C.

- Prefers cooler summer temperatures; may go dormant during extreme heat.

- Provide extra mulch in fall for additional winter protection in Zone 3b.

5. Fertilizer:

- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth appears.

- Side dress with compost or well-rotted manure annually to improve soil quality.

- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that may