Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Polemonium reptans 'Stairway to Heaven' is a variegated selection of Jacob's Ladder introduced by the New England Wildflower Society. The oval-shaped, green leaves are splashed with cream and edged in pink during cool weather. The leaves continuously regenerate, keeping the plant looking fresh from spring to fall. Bell-shaped, light blue flowers cluster at the top of the stems in late spring to early summer.
This herbaceous perennial forms a mounded shape that reaches 18 inches high and 15 inches wide. The parent species is a native woodland plant found in eastern North America. Stairway to Heaven is a robust variegated selection that lives much longer than the species. Use this perennial as a groundcover in a perennial border, woodland garden, or wildflower meadow. It also grows well in a container for a fuss-free patio display.
Stairway to Heaven Jacob's Ladder Care
Stairway to Heaven thrives in part shade, although it will tolerate full sun in cool summer climates if given sufficient moisture. It adapts to various soil types, including clay, sand, chalk, and clay. It prefers evenly moist soil that drains well. Water it regularly during the summer months to ensure the soil never dries out. Mulch with high quality compost around the root zone to conserve moisture.
After flowering, remove the entire stem to encourage rebloom later in the summer. Clean up any spent foliage in early spring before new growth starts. It can be divided in spring or early fall.
Stairway to Heaven Jacob's Ladder Spacing
To carpet a large area, space individual plants approximately 1 foot apart, center on center, in staggered rows.For container planting, select a weather-resistant pot at least 12 inches in diameter with drainage holes.
Stairway to Heaven Jacobs Ladder Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 3 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 1 Foot
- Mature Spread
- 1 Foot
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded, Clumping, Upright
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Blue, White
- Flower Description
- Pale sky-blue white
- Bloom Time
- Spring
- Foliage Color
- , Green, White
- Foliage Description
- Green, White Variegated
- Foliage Type
- , Herbaceous, Variegated
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, 3 Season Interest, Fall Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Stairway to Heaven Jacobs Ladder
- Botanical Name
- POLEMONIUM R. 'STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN'
- Plant Type
- Perennial
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!