Equipped with spiritual symbolism, the profusely blooming Jacob's Ladder stands out from the large mass of summer flowering perennials. However, the path to successfully cultivating a ladder to heaven is less steep. Anyone who explores the following answers to frequently asked questions will recognize the frugal unpretentiousness of the enchanting flower.
Plant Jacob's Ladder correctly
As a classic wild perennial, the ladder to heaven favors autumn as the best time to plant. Alternatively, put the plant in the ground in April/May. While the nutrient-rich, moist soil in the sunny location is being prepared into fine crumbs, soak the still potted root ball in a container with water. This is how easy it is:
- Dig small pits 35-40 cm apart to mix the excavation with compost and horn shavings
- Repot the young plant, plant in the middle and plant down to the lower pair of leaves
- Press the soil down with your hands and water generously
A mulch layer made of leaves or bark mulch contributes significantly to growth and provides winter protection in the first year.
care tips
The way to the heavenly abundance of flowers is neither rocky nor steep, because the care of a ladder to heaven is limited to the following aspects:
- Never let the soil dry out and water even in winter when there is a frost
- Fertilize with compost monthly from April to September
- Cut back to the basal leaves after the first flowering
- Cut back close to the ground in autumn or late winter
Since the plant is frost-resistant down to - 45 degrees Celsius, no precautions need to be taken for hibernation. In pot culture, however, we recommend moving to a bright, frost-free winter quarters.
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Which location is suitable?
In the wild, the flower looks for a place in nutrient-rich meadows or along a light wooded edge. The closer the location in the garden is to these conditions, the more effectively the plant plays out its picturesque strengths. It depends on these properties:
- Sunny to partially shaded position
- Warm and preferably sheltered from the wind
- Humus-rich, fresh-moist to moist soil
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The right planting distance
We recommend the following planting distances so that the herbaceous plant can showcase its pretty pinnate leaves and bright blue flowers perfectly:
- Growth height 30-40 cm: planting distance 35 cm
- Growth height 60-80 cm: planting distance 40 cm
If you cultivate the flower in the balcony box, the planting distance is reduced by 8-10 cm to create a lush appearance.
What soil does the plant need?
The mystical plant unfolds its summer blooms to perfection when the soil is like this:
- Nutritious and humic
- Moderately moist to well moist, but without waterlogging
The ladder to heaven thrives wonderfully in structurally stable pots and window boxes potting soil based on compost. Choose a product with as little peat as possible, as this component tends to compact with frequent watering.
When is flowering time?
The magnificent ladder to heaven does not stop at just one heyday. Since the plant has the ability to replant, it delights us with the first blooms in May and June. Then cut the withered flower stalks back to the foliage and apply a little compost, and an equally lush second bloom will follow in September and October.
Cut Jacob's ladder correctly
Mother Nature endowed the ladder to heaven with the potential to rebloom. In order for the flower to actually be able to perform this floral masterpiece, a replacement cut is required. After the first flower spike has withered, cut off all the stems down to the basal foliage. Here you only remove leaves that no longer appear healthy and plump. In September and October, the plant then delights with a second flowering. Shortly before the first frost, cut off the withered ladder to heaven close to the ground.
Pour Jacob's Ladder
The water requirement of a sky ladder is at a high level. Thus, the root ball should never dry out inside. If the substrate surface dries, it is poured. During hot summer days this may well be necessary twice a day. Always pour the water directly onto the root disc and avoid sprinkling. If frost dominates in winter, water the plant on mild days.
Fertilize Jacob's ladder properly
A mineral-organic initial fertilization in March/April provides a noticeable boost for this year's growth. Afterwards, spoil the flower every 4 weeks with a portion of compost and horn shavings. A nutritious mulch layer of leaf soil or bark humus is also readily accepted by the plant.
increase Jacob's ladder
The uncomplicated cultivation of a ladder to heaven continues seamlessly in terms of propagation. Dividing the rootstock in autumn not only creates more specimens, but also helps to rejuvenate this magnificent perennial. In addition, the ripe capsule fruits contain 1 to 12 seeds, which are propagated by means of sowing enable. As a normal germ, sow the seeds behind glass in February, put a plastic bag over the seed container and keep the substrate slightly moist. After just 2 weeks, the first cotyledons peep out, from which vital young plants develop by May.
Is the ladder to heaven hardy?
If the plant received its autumn pruning, no further precautions for overwintering need to be taken in the bed. The flower is so frost-resistant that it doesn't even mind temperatures of -45 degrees Celsius, if it gets that cold in our regions. In pot culture, on the other hand, there is a risk that the root ball will freeze through. Wrap the jar in bubble wrap and place it on a styrofoam board or block of wood. Ideally, place small tubs with a diameter of less than 30 cm in a frost-free winter quarters.
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trivia
At the sight of this blue blooming flower, the association of a ladder to heaven is within reach. Because it seems as if the flowers and leaves arranged like a staircase invite passing angels to come and see them Ascension into heaven, Christians see here an immediate connection to the biblical ladder to heaven. In a dream vision Jacob saw this ascent and descent between heaven and earth while he was fleeing from Esau. Thus lay the title Jacob's Ladder for the native perennial on hand.
Beautiful varieties
- Album: Native perennial with pure white flowers in spring and again in autumn; Growth height 60-80 cm
- Königssee: Impresses with gentian blue flowers and compact growth, ideal for the tub; Growth height 40 cm
- Purple Rain: Ladder to heaven in purple blooms with bright violet flowers; Growth height 30-40 cm
- Stairway to Heaven: Premium variety with blue flowers and creamy yellow variegated foliage; Growth height 30-40 cm
- Lambrook Mauve: Filigree beauty with pinnate leaves and lilac flowers; Growth height 50-60 cm
