
Emerging dramatically in spring with rich bronze-purple foliage, this fragrant perennial commands attention in both naturalistic and formal garden settings.
Polemonium 'Heaven Scent' lives up to its name when its sweetly scented, bell-shaped violet-purple blooms unfurl above the decorative leaves from spring into summer, evoking a classic cottage garden charm.
This refined selection of Jacob's Ladder forms a neat, clump-forming habit that brings architectural interest to herbaceous borders while remaining compact enough to integrate seamlessly into smaller garden spaces. The dark foliage maintains its striking colouration throughout the growing season, providing an elegant backdrop even after the flowering period has passed.
Polemonium 'Heaven Scent' lives up to its name when its sweetly scented, bell-shaped violet-purple blooms unfurl above the decorative leaves from spring into summer, evoking a classic cottage garden charm.
This refined selection of Jacob's Ladder forms a neat, clump-forming habit that brings architectural interest to herbaceous borders while remaining compact enough to integrate seamlessly into smaller garden spaces. The dark foliage maintains its striking colouration throughout the growing season, providing an elegant backdrop even after the flowering period has passed.
How to care for Polemonium Heaven Scent (PBR):
Plant in fertile, moisture-retentive yet well-drained soil in partial shade to full sun, though protection from intense afternoon sun will help maintain the richest foliage colour. Space plants approximately 45cm (18in) to allow for growth.
While relatively low-maintenance, this perennial benefits from regular deadheading to promote continued blooming, and cutting back spent flowering stems to the base keeps the plant tidy. In late autumn, remove yellowing foliage but consider leaving some stems for winter interest and early spring protection.
If the centre of the clump becomes woody or sparse after several years, rejuvenate by dividing in early spring just as new growth appears.
Watch for powdery mildew in humid conditions - good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering will help prevent this issue. A spring mulch with well-rotted organic matter will help retain moisture and suppress weeds, though take care not to cover the crown which can lead to rotting.
While relatively low-maintenance, this perennial benefits from regular deadheading to promote continued blooming, and cutting back spent flowering stems to the base keeps the plant tidy. In late autumn, remove yellowing foliage but consider leaving some stems for winter interest and early spring protection.
If the centre of the clump becomes woody or sparse after several years, rejuvenate by dividing in early spring just as new growth appears.
Watch for powdery mildew in humid conditions - good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering will help prevent this issue. A spring mulch with well-rotted organic matter will help retain moisture and suppress weeds, though take care not to cover the crown which can lead to rotting.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.45m
Eventual spread:
0.45m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.