Plant your Polemonium (or Jacob's Ladder) outside during spring or autumn. Select an area with moderately fertile, humus-rich soil, in full sun or part shade.

— Set plants about 25cm apart, or individually in large containers.

— If growing in a pot, use a well-drained soil mix of equal parts loam and leaf mould (or soil-less compost).

— Water-in after planting and, while in growth, do not let the soil become dry.

— For best foliage and flowers, apply a balanced fertiliser in April and again in July.

— Cut back the plant after flowering to encourage a second flush of bloom, or leave to enjoy the foliage.

— After several years, lift and divide congested clumps in autumn or spring.

— Read further general instructions about planting bare-root perennials