Jacob’s ladder herb and effects

This European native species grows sparsely over the whole of the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. It is not as prolific as some of the other closely related species in America. It was known to the ancient Greeks as 'polemonium', and the root was once administered in wine in cases of dysentery, toothache, and on the bites of poisonous animals. The leaf, being divided into many segments, has the appearance of a ladder, hence its common name - 'Jacob slept with a stone for a pillow and he dreamed and behold a ladder set upon the earth and the top of it reached to Heaven and behold the Angels of God ascending and descending on it.' As late as the 19th century, it was known as 'Valeranae Graecae' or 'Greek Valerian' and was being used in some European pharmacies. It was predominantly used as an anti-syphilitic agent and in the treatment of rabies. To confuse things, the American Shakers called it 'Abscess' and used it for pleurisy and fevers.

Species

Polemonium caeruleum

Jacob's ladder

Hardy perennial. Ht and spread 45-60cm (18-24in). Clusters of attractive, cup-shaped, lavender-blue flowers in summer. The mid-green leaves are finch divided into small lance shapes.

Polemonium caeruleum var. lacteum

Hardy perennial. Ht and spread 45-60cm (18-24in). Cluster of attractive, cup-shaped, lavender-white flowers in summer. Leaves as P. caeruleum.

Polemonium reptans

Also known as False Jacob's ladder or American Greek Valerian. Hardy perennial. Ht 20- 45cm (8-18in), spread 30cm (12in). Cluster of attractive, cup-shaped, blue flowers in summer. The silver/green leaves are finely divided into small lance shapes. The root of this species is bitter in flavor and is employed as an astringent and as an antidote to snake bites.

Polemonium carneum

Hardy perennial. Ht and spread 45cm (18in). Cluster f of attractive, cup-shaped, pink or purple/pink flowers! From early summer. Mid-green leaves are finely divided into small lance shapes.

Polemonium pulcherrimum

Hardy perennial. Ht 50cm (20in) spread 30cm (12in). Cluster of attractive, tubular, blue/purple flowers in summer. The mid-green leaves are finely divided into small lance shapes.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

For flowering early the following spring, sow the fairly small seeds fresh in autumn into a prepared seed or plug tray. Cover with a thin layer of compost. Leave in a cool/cold greenhouse over winter. They will stay in their trays quite happily through the winter, as long as they are kept frost free. Prick out in spring when the threat of frosts is over and plain directly into the garden, after hardening off, at a distance of 30cm (12in) apart. For flowering the following season, sow under protection in early spring, or direct in the garden in late spring.

Division

Named varieties must be propagated by division. Divide established plants in the spring. Dig the whole plant up and ease it in half. j Replant in a prepared site in the garden.

Pests and Diseases

These plants rarely suffer from pests or disease.

Maintenance

Spring: Sow seeds if not sown the previous autumn. Divide established plants if need be.

Summer: Dead-head flowers. After flowering, cut back to prevent self-seeding.

Autumn: Sow seeds under protection.

Winter: Established plants arc hardy and should not need protection.

Garden cultivation

This lovely short lived perennial is not particular to site or soil, although it prefers a rich moisture-retaining soil with an addition of lime. It is not fussy about sun or shade, but looks prettier in the sun. In a long, hot summer, make sure the plant gets plenty of extra water. In an average summer it should not need extra watering.

The fairly short flowering season can be prolonged by dead-heading. This is another plant beloved of cats, which seem to take a fancy to the young plants in particular. So, if you live in a catty area, give the young plants some protection.

Harvest

Cut the flowers just as they open for drying. Dry either in small bunches or individual sprays.

Container growing       

Jacob's Ladder looks lovely in a container. Use soil-based compost and do not allow drying out. Place the container in a semi-shady place to protect if from overheating in the midday sun. Feed with liquid fertilizer, following manufacturer's instructions, during the flowering period only.

Culinary

I can find no record of this being used as a culinary herb, and the flowers do not add much flavor when added to salads.

Other uses

The dried flowers may not smell, but do look attractive in potpourris. No longer used for medicinal purposes.