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Polemonium caeruleum

Polemonium caeruleum
Polemonium caeruleum nf.jpg
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Polemoniaceae
Genus: Polemonium
Species: P. caeruleum
Binomial name
Polemonium caeruleum
L.
Synonyms
  • Polemonium laxiflorum Kitam.

Polemonium caeruleum, known as Jacob's-ladder or Greek valerian, is a hardy perennial flowering plant. The plant produces cup-shaped, lavender-coloured or white flowers. It is native to temperate regions of Europe.

The plant usually reaches a height from 45 to 60 centimeters (18 to 24 inches), but some occasionally will be taller than 90 centimeters (35 inches.) The spread of the plant is also 45 to 60 centimeters. It can grow in North American hardiness zone 2.

The plant is native to damp grasslands, woodlands, meadows and rocky areas in temperate areas of Europe and Asia.

The plant normally prefers soil that is rich in moisture and lime and does not require as much sunlight as other plants. Depending on the conditions, it will need varying amounts of water in the summer. If it is hot summer, the plant may require extra water. If it is an average summer, it probably won't need extra water. Normally hardy, some varieties (e.g. 'Blue Pearl') behave as tender biennials, which means they are effectively annuals in cooler climates (below hardiness zone 6).

Cultivated varieties include 'Blue Pearl' and 'Brise d'Anjou'. White-flowered ('Album', 'White Pearl') and a variegated ('Snow and Sapphires') varieties are available.

The plant does not have serious insect or disease problems. Leaf spot and powdery mildew can be problems, particularly in humid climates. The foliage may scorch if the plant gets too much sunlight. The leaflet tips will brown up if soils are allowed to dry out so keeping an eye on the leaflet tips is a good way to gauge water levels. The foliage will generally decline and become less attractive as the summer progresses. It is important to keep an eye out for slugs.

(Cats are attracted to the scent of the plant, particularly younger plants. A person who is growing Greek valerian in a container or home garden should protect the plants if they own a cat.)

Boreal Jacob's-ladder

Boreal Jacob's-ladder

Leaves

The plant was first used as a medicinal herb in ancient Greece. The ancient Greeks used the root to treat dysentery, toothaches and animal bites. The plant was also found in a few European pharmacies during the nineteenth century and was used as an antisyphilitic agent and to treat rabies. Today, the plant is not usually used medically.


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Wikipedia

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