Stairway to heaven

The pinnate leaves of Jacob’s ladder, Polemonium caeruleum, grow on long, tall stems from the base of the plant, and it is from these that the plant gains its common name. The flower can be found growing wild on north-facing limestone hillsides and is common in the Peak District. It is also unfussy in the garden and can be grown in fertile, moist and well-drained soil, tolerating low levels of sunlight. It will bloom from late spring, its five purple-blue petals forming a cup-like shape, in contrast to its distinct butter-yellow stamen.