- Plant Jacob's ladder in a suitable location
- Prepare for winter by pruning
- Overwinter the Jacob's ladder in a tub
The Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium), also known as "Spyerkraut" or "Ladder to Heaven" and with its wonderful white, blue or violet flowers, embellishes perennial beds and gardens that are designed in a natural way. The perennial, which grows up to 90 centimeters high, thrives on moist meadows in Europe, Asia and North America. The plant is undemanding, easy to care for and also very hardy.
Jacob's ladder should be cut back before winter
Plant Jacob's ladder in a suitable location
In order for your Jacob's ladder to survive the winter, however, they should be planted in a suitable location. The plants do not like places that are too dry, there they will wither and eventually die. It is best to place the perennials in a sunny to semi-shady location in nutrient-rich and moist soil. However, avoid waterlogging by providing the substrate with good drainage. This is best done by loosening up too heavy soil with coarse gravel when planting. In addition, the soil should be as nutrient-rich as possible.
Prepare for winter by pruning
Prepare Jacob's Ladder for winter by cutting back the plant vigorously before the winter break. The pruning can be done up to a hand's breadth above the ground. Further protective measures for the hardy plant are not necessary. Only in the event that you want to propagate the plant by self-sowing, refrain from cutting back in late autumn. Instead, catch up on a frost-free day in late winter. The advantage of pruning is the prophylaxis against fungal diseases and wilting, after all, the dried parts of the plant offer pathogens a wide target.
Overwinter the Jacob's ladder in a tub
In contrast to Jacob's ladders planted out, perennials kept in pots should be provided with winter protection, since the risk of root damage from frost is much higher. For this purpose, place the pot on a base made of styrofoam or wood and wrap it with insulating fleece if necessary. The cut down plant, on the other hand, can be covered with spruce or pine branches.
tips
Even in winter, Jacob's ladder must not dry out. Water the plant - especially if it is in a pot - from time to time, especially after a frost.