Tuesday, November 17, 2009


Polemonium caeruleum 'Brise d'Anjou' syn. Polemonium sibiricum
Jacob's Ladder, Charity, Greek Valerian
Type Perennial
Hardy range 2A to 7A
Height 18" to 24" / 45cm to 60cm
Spread 12" to 18" / 30cm to 45cm
Growth rate Average
Form Upright or erect
Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence Evergreen
Bloom Color Blue
Bloom Time Spring and Summer

Environment

This plant will grow in moist soil.

Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.

The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green, variegated and yellow

This plant has attractive foliage.

Culture Notes

This variegated plant is an introduction from Blooms of Bressingham. 'Brise d'Anjou' is better known for its striking (but somewhat fragile) variegated, fern-like foliage than its violet-blue blossoms. Polemoniums prefer a cool, moist setting, in a well-drained soil. Plants suffer in hot, humid and wet conditions. Will continue to bloom well into the summer if weather conditions stay cool, and if spent flowers are removed. Division can be done in the spring or fall, and stem cuttings can be taken in the summer. Seed will germinate easily. The stems of 'Brise d'Anjou' are brittle. Occasionally, an all-green or all-white shoot my form on this plant; if so, remove that shoot.