Jacob's Ladder

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: JuneHardiness: fully hardyJacob's Ladder gets its name from the arrangement of its leaves – pairs of opposite leaflets resembling a ladder. In early summer, erect stems rise up from the bright green foliage carrying clusters of bell-shaped, lavender-blue flowers. A cottage-garden favourite, Jacob's Ladder is happiest in partial shade, and looks equally at home in a wildlife garden setting or in grass. Although it is short-lived, it self seeds freely. Garden care: Cut the plant back after flowering to encourage a second flush of flowers. In autumn cut the faded flowerheads down to the ground and compost the dead stems....more Price: £4.95 Source: Crocus •