Stairway to Heaven Jacobs Ladder

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

1 Foot

Mature Spread

1 Foot

Growing Zones

3 to 8

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.