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Creeping Jacob’s ladder (spreading Jacob’s ladder) Polemonium reptans

Creeping Jacob’s ladder (spreading Jacob’s ladder) (Polemonium reptans) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Polemoniaceae family, native to Moist deciduous woods of eastern North America. It grows 20–40 cm (8–16 in) tall and 30–40 cm (12–16 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.

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Creeping Jacob’s ladder (spreading Jacob’s ladder) at a glance

TypePerennial flowering plant, deciduous
FamilyPolemoniaceae
Mature height20–40 cm (8–16 in)
Mature spread30–40 cm (12–16 in)
Spacing30 cm (12 in) centre to centre
SunPart sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day
WaterModerate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low
Soil pH5.5–7.5
Cold hardinessAbout -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3)
Heat stressLikely above about 32 °C (90 °F)
Floweringfrom about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones)
Wind toleranceLow
Pollinator valueHigh
EdibleNot grown as food
Native toMoist deciduous woods of eastern North America
Common in gardens of🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany

Is Creeping Jacob’s ladder (spreading Jacob’s ladder) toxic?

Not known to be poisonous.

If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.

Companion planting: what to grow with Creeping Jacob’s ladder (spreading Jacob’s ladder)

No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.

Questions about Creeping Jacob’s ladder (spreading Jacob’s ladder)

How far apart should I plant Creeping Jacob’s ladder (spreading Jacob’s ladder)?
About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–40 cm (12–16 in).
Does Creeping Jacob’s ladder (spreading Jacob’s ladder) need full sun?
Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
How much water does Creeping Jacob’s ladder (spreading Jacob’s ladder) need?
Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
How cold-hardy is Creeping Jacob’s ladder (spreading Jacob’s ladder)?
It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
When does Creeping Jacob’s ladder (spreading Jacob’s ladder) flower?
From about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
Is Creeping Jacob’s ladder (spreading Jacob’s ladder) poisonous to cats and dogs?
For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
What grows well with Creeping Jacob’s ladder (spreading Jacob’s ladder)?
There is no well-documented companion pairing for Creeping Jacob’s ladder (spreading Jacob’s ladder). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).

Sources and evidence

Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).

Notes and assumptions

Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.

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