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Jacobs ladder

WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
in Plants
Hi,

I have a Jacobs ladder (Polemonium caeruleum) which is flowering abundantly at present. This is the first year I’ve grown it.

Some websites say to cut back after flowering to encourage a second flush but others say do nothing and cut back at the end of the season. 

What is the best care option? If it’s to cut it back, how low down should I cut it to - at present, it’s around a metre tall.

Thanks.

Posts

  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I cut the flower stalks off , they will flower again. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    I do nothing, which is probably why the stuff has self seeded around the whole garden.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I leave the last lot of flowers on for that reason, fills a gap doesn’t it. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I deadhead the flowered stems, but we never get a 2nd flush here. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I suppose they flower earlier here @Fairygirl. So a 2nd flush whilst you’re having your first. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
    Thanks. So if I just cut the flowered stalks off once theyve gone over, it’ll flower again. After this second flush of flowers, do I then cut it back to the ground (I assume in autumn)?
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    If you leave the next lot of flowers on they will self seed for you. You’ll have lots of little pants next Spring to move around the garden as you like. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - we're later with everything really @Lyn :)
    Mine have only been flowering for a week or two. 
    I don't cut mine right back in autumn @Wildlifelover. It just dies back itself, although it keeps some greenery in mild winters. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
    Thanks everyone. 
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