Greek-Valerian

(Polemonium caeruleum)

Greek-Valerian (Polemonium caeruleum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Polemonium caeruleum, commonly known as Greek-Valerian, is a perennial herb that is deciduous or semi-deciduous depending on the climate. It is native to temperate grasslands, meadows, and stream banks in Europe and Siberia. This plant usually reaches 45–60 cm (18–24 in) in height and spread, with some specimens growing taller than 90 cm (35 in). Greek-Valerian is characterized by its pinnate leaves and clusters of bell-shaped flowers, which are most commonly blue but can also be white, blooming from late spring to early summer. The flowers are particularly showy and are known for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Greek-Valerian is valued for its vibrant flowers and its ability to thrive in moist, woodland garden settings. It is often used in perennial borders, cottage gardens, and rock gardens for its aesthetic appeal and its capacity to attract beneficial insects. The plant is suitable for container planting due to its compact growth habit. Additionally, the fragrant flowers make it a desirable addition to bouquets. Cultivation requires consistently moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, with a preference for partial shade, though it can tolerate full shade. It is generally hardy, but some cultivars may be less so; for example, ’Blue Pearl’ may act as a tender biennial in cooler climates. Gardeners should be aware that while Greek-Valerian is normally hardy, it can suffer from slug and snail damage, and powdery mildew in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1.5-2 feet
  • Width: 1.5-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Blue, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Temperate grasslands, meadows, and stream banks in Europe and Siberia

Other Names

Common Names: Blue Jacob’s-Ladder, Charity, Jacob’s-Ladder, Jakobsstige, Blaue Himmelsleiter, Lehtosinilatva, Polémoine, Polémoine Bleue, Valériane Grecque, Fjellflokk

Scientific Names: , Polemonium caeruleum, Polemonium yezoense var. hidakanum, Polemonium coeruleum, Polemonium caeruleum var. album, Polemonium caeruleum var. himalayanum, Polemonium caeruleum subsp. vulgare, Polemonium caeruleum var. caeruleum, Polemonium dissectum, Polemonium gracile

GBIF Accepted Name: Polemonium caeruleum L.