Polemonium caeruleum 'Brise d'Anjou'
USPP #9781, COPF
" Variegated Jacob's Ladder"

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BENEFITS
Specialty plant with elegant, vibrant, creamily variegated foliage to brighten shady garden spots.

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
Violet-blue flowers from late spring to midsummer. Creamy-edged, fern-like foliage on bushy clumps.

LOCATION
Partial shade to full shade. USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8; AHS Heat zones 7 to 1. During high temperature periods, it performs well in the Northeast, upper Midwest and Northwest. In more southern states, it may melt down in extended periods of high heat and high humidity. Shade is a must in these regions. See our Growing Zones page to reference growing zones in your area.

USE
Variegated specimen plant. Good border or rock garden plant. Brightens shady spots.

SIZE
18" to 24" tall by 18" to 24" wide. Use 4 plants per square yard.

CULTURE
Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil. Divide in spring or fall every 3 to 4 years. Also see our General Planting Tips for more information.

Family and Friends
History and Companion Plants
Literally translated, 'Brise d'Anjou', means 'Breeze of Anjou'. It was discovered several years ago by the Prouteau brothers in Anjou, France. Perhaps its find was like a breath of fresh air to the Prouteaus and thus the name, 'Brise d'Anjou'.

Variegated forms of Jacob's Ladder have been found occasionally since the 18th century but few have survived cultivation and none were available in sufficient quantity for trade. However, 'Brise d'Anjou' has proven to be a reliable and robust variegated selection. The luxurious creamy-edged, fern- like foliage holds its variegation on handsome, textured clumps until fall frosts.

The plant texture and character combine nicely with Goat's Beard (Aruncus dioicus), Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), Garden Phlox (try Phlox paniculata 'Eva Cullum' or 'Franz Schubert') and most Ornamental Grasses. Massed plantings can also be used in conjunction with Astilbe, Bergenia (try Bergenia 'Bressingham Ruby'), Hardy Ferns, Hosta, Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis) and Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum).

Meet the Breeder
This remarkable variegated "Jacob's Ladder" is a chance discovery by Rene and Maurice Prouteau in Anjou, France. Such variegated forms had been noted in 18th century texts, but few had survived in cultivation, and none was strong enough to produce in quantity. However this sport find in the French countryside was stabile and reliable. It proved it's garden worthiness in our trials and was introduced to UK gardeners in 1994.