Polemonium 'Violet Heart'

Polemonium 'Violet Heart' is a compact Jacob's ladder with a rather lovely sense of refinement, forming neat clumps of finely divided, fern-like foliage flushed with purple at the edges. From late spring into early summer, deep purple buds open into lightly scented, nodding white flowers, each marked with a vivid violet-purple eye. The contrast between dark sepals, pale petals and that little flash of colour gives Polemonium 'Violet Heart' an elegant, almost hand-painted quality. Reaching around 30–40cm, it is perfectly scaled for the front of a border, a cottage garden corner or a handsome patio container.

Easy-going yet quietly distinctive, Polemonium 'Violet Heart' enjoys fertile, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade, dappled light or sun, provided it is not left to dry out. Bees and other pollinators are quick to appreciate the airy sprays of flowers, while gardeners may find deadheading encourages a gentle second flush later in the season. Pair Polemonium 'Violet Heart' with aquilegias, hardy geraniums, ferns or darker-leaved perennials for a soft, romantic planting scheme with a little depth. Fully hardy and pleasingly low maintenance, Polemonium 'Violet Heart' is proof that small perennials can have very polished manners.