Jacob's Ladder Is The Perfect Wildflower To Grow In A Shady Yard

Although a shady yard can be a great place to hang out during hot summer days, that shade can also feel limiting. Since many flowers thrive in full sunlight, you might think that there aren't any options for adding some more visual interest to your shaded yard. However, many beautiful flowers grow perfectly in shade, both annuals and perennials. One of the best wildflowers to grow in a shady yard is Jacob's ladder, a stunning yet ephemeral perennial spring flower.

Jacob's ladder should ideally be grown in full shade, with just a small sprinkling of sunlight, though it can survive in partial shade as well. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves of Jacob's ladder and cause leaf scorch, so you shouldn't let the plant get too much of it. Because it thrives in the shade, growing Jacob's ladder is a great choice if you have a shaded yard but still want to add a splash of springtime color to it.

As with other plants, you'll want to pay attention to Jacob's ladder's ideal growing conditions and do your best to provide them. It's best grown in USDA hardiness zones three through eight and isn't ideal for warmer climates. Other than providing Jacob's ladder with full or partial shade, you also need to ensure the soil is suitable for the plant. The wildflower prefers moist, well-drained soil. When planting Jacob's ladder from seed, you'll simply need to cover the seeds lightly with soil. Keep in mind that Jacob's ladder is also a good choice for growing in a pot, as long as you keep the soil well-drained.

Jacob's ladder will self-seed and spread well on its own. However, the wildflower is far from being an invasive plant you should never grow. You should also be aware that although Jacob's ladder is a perennial, it will only bloom in the middle of spring, in April and May. You can deadhead its flowers after the first bloom, though. If you do so, the plant will bloom again, so deadheading is worthwhile.