Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
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Also known as Greek Valerian. Member of the Phlox family. An old cottage garden plant and wild flower. Hardy perennial with mauve flowers and yellow stamens. Some plants may produce white flowers. Grows to about 2 ft (60 cm) in height. The leaves give the plant its name as they are divided like ladder rungs.
The name "polemonium" comes from the Greek polemonion - a name used for a medicinal plant associated with the philosopher Polemos of Coppadocia. The Greek "polemos" means "war" and Pliny the Elder claimed that the name was taken from a war between two kings who both claimed to be the first to discover the plant's medicinal properties.
Used in ancient times as a remedy for fevers, palpitations and hysteria. For some reason, cats particularly like this plant! Ancient Greek physicians prescribed Jacob's Ladder in wine as relief from toothache, dysentery and insect bites. Used in the nineteenth-century to treat syphilis and rabies. Has also been used for headaches and neuralgia. Boiled in olive oil the plant makes a black dye.
Flowers June to August. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. Plant in sun or shade, prefers damp soil. Cut down to soil level in autumn. Self-seeds well.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*