Polemonium reptans Stairway to Heaven (Creeping Jacobs Ladder)
Regarded by many as the best variegated Jacob’s Ladder ever introduced, Polemonium reptans ‘Stairway to Heaven’ (Creeping Jacob’s Ladder) is a herbaceous perennial forming a low mound of variegated leaves of bright green and creamy-white, tinged with pink in cool weather.
Regarded by many as the best variegated Jacob’s Ladder ever introduced, Polemonium reptans 'Stairway to Heaven' (Creeping Jacob's Ladder) is a herbaceous perennial forming a low mound of variegated leaves of bright green and creamy-white, tinged with pink in cool weather. In mid-spring to early summer, soft lavender-blue flowers, adorned with white stamens, are borne atop stiff leafy stems. They rise well above the foliage mound of finely divided, fern-like leaves. New fresh leaves appear all season, keeping this plant great-looking from spring through late fall. Excellent for borders, woodland settings, or rock gardens where it will stand out.
- Grows up to 12-18 in. tall and wide (30-45 cm).
- Thrives in average, moist, humusy, well-drained soils in part shade. Tolerates full sun in cool summer climates.
- A lovely plant for beds and borders, cottage gardens, wildflower gardens, and rock gardens.
- Generally pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
- Propagate by division in spring.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 3 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Polemonium – Jacob's Ladders |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early) |
| Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 12″ – 18″ (30cm – 45cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |