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Polemonium reptan x yezoense 'Heaven Scent' | Jacob's Ladder
Polemonium reptan x yezoense 'Heaven Scent' | Jacob's Ladder
Polemoniaceae (Jacob's Ladder or Phlox family)(Pronounced pol-uh-MOH-nee-ay-see-eye)
Pronounced Poh-leh-MOH-nee-um REP-tanz by Yez-oh-EN-see
The word "polemonion" is associated with Polemon of Cappadocia, a Greek herbalist and healer, or the Greek word for war "polemos, " which seems less likely.
The word "reptan" is Laten for "creeping" referring to the ladder-like foliage.
The word "yezoense"means "of Ezo," which was the old name given to Hokkaido which is the northern-most of Japan's four main islands which is the origin.
The leaves are bright green lance-shaped leaflets that are fern-like and resembling a ladder. Hence the common name of "Jacob's Ladder" from the Bible when the son of Isaac, Jacob, dreamed of a ladder ascending to heaven. The leaves start out reddish purple and mature into beautiful green.
The species 'Heaven Scent' was bred in 2004 by Brent Horvath of the Intrinsic Perennial Gardens in Hebron, Illinois! I bought this in the Autumn of 2023 and had no idea that it originated so close to my local state of Missouri! I think that is awesome! 'Heaven Scent' is a cross between Polemonium reptans and Polemonium yezoense 'Purple Rain.'
The flower is blueish purple and bell-shaped with bright yellow anthers. These plants are grown for their showy flowers.
The plant stems are 18 to 24 inches and have a light grape scent.
The plant prefers part shade, so it does better in cooler climates.
It prefers rich, moist soils. The plant does not like to dry out.
The plant is great for woodland, shade, or cottage gardens.
After blooming, the plant can be cut back to basal foliage.
Cutting back also encourage reblooming.
The plant is deer resistant.
2024
Buds and leaves
Jacob's ladder references the leaves.
Love the little bells and yellow spots sticking out from the center.
2020 - I bought this Polemonium Reptans (Jacobs Ladder) in 2020 at a native plant sale, but it did not last.
