How much sun does Royal jacob's-ladder need?

Royal jacob's-ladder grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Royal jacob's-ladder bloom?

Royal jacob's-ladder blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Royal jacob's-ladder native?

Royal jacob's-ladder (Polemonium carneum) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Royal jacob's-ladder attract?

Royal jacob's-ladder draws bees and hummingbirds.

Royal jacob's-ladder

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Polemonium carneum

Last reviewed: October 2026

Royal jacob's-ladder (Polemonium carneum) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw bees and hummingbirds.

Toxicity unknown

Royal jacob's-ladder (Polemonium carneum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

bees, hummingbirds

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains

A clumping perennial called royal Jacob's ladder, with finely divided fern-like leaves and clusters of large salmon-pink to lavender bell-shaped flowers held above the foliage in late spring.

Growing Royal jacob's-ladder

Grow Royal jacob's-ladder in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its showy flower clusters attract native bees and are occasionally visited by hummingbirds.

Common questions

How much sun does Royal jacob's-ladder need?: Royal jacob's-ladder grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Royal jacob's-ladder bloom?: Royal jacob's-ladder blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Royal jacob's-ladder native?: Royal jacob's-ladder (Polemonium carneum) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Royal jacob's-ladder attract?: Royal jacob's-ladder draws bees and hummingbirds.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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