Polemonium 'Touch of Class'

Polemonium reptans 'Touch of Class': Silver-Edged Sophistication

Gracefully textured and brilliantly variegated, Polemonium 'Touch of Class' lives up to its name with finely cut blue-green foliage edged in creamy silver and soft periwinkle-blue flowers in spring. More compact and refined than many Jacob’s ladders, it forms a tidy clump that brings lasting foliage interest even after bloom. This selection adds brightness to part-shade beds, offering both a cooling presence and a textural lift to borders and containers alike.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 30–40 cm
• Spread: 30–45 cm
• Flower Colour: Soft periwinkle blue
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer
• Foliage: Finely divided blue-green leaves edged in silvery white
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to light sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

Uses and Benefits: 'Touch of Class' offers both flower and foliage appeal, making it an ideal choice for part-shade borders, woodland edges, and elegant mixed plantings. Its compact size and luminous leaf edges brighten darker corners, while the spring bloom supports early-season pollinators. Deer resistant and reliably perennial, it delivers a polished look with minimal maintenance.

Companion Plants: Pair with the chartreuse ruffles of Heuchera 'Lime Marmalade', the cool-toned arching blades of Carex 'Blue Zinger', and the upright violet spires of Veronica 'Royal Candles' for a vibrant, part-shade combination full of textural contrast and early-season charm.

Care Instructions: Plant in part shade with moist, well-drained soil. Water during dry spells, especially in spring and summer. Cut back flower stems after blooming to tidy the plant and encourage fresh foliage. Divide clumps every few years in spring or fall to rejuvenate and maintain their form.

History: A refined cultivar of the North American native Polemonium reptans, 'Touch of Class' was bred for its compact habit, vivid variegation, and garden-worthy elegance—bringing a modern twist to a woodland classic.

Final Thoughts: Elegant and endlessly useful, Polemonium 'Touch of Class' adds a silvery shimmer and delicate charm to part-shade gardens—bridging ornamental beauty with dependable ease.