A low mound of ferny leaves that are medium green and have a strong white edge around each leaflet. In cool spring weather, the edges turn pink. Clusters of lightly fragrant violet-blue flowers.
Among avid gardeners, Jacob’s ladder ‘Stairway to Heaven’ has reached legendary status for its striking variegated foliage and reliable performance This Polemonium reptans cultivar lives up to its celestial name, brightening shady plantings with its two-tone leaves and soft blue blooms Read on to learn why this Jacob’s ladder earns a spot in so many gardens across the world.
Unbeatable Variegation
The main draw of ‘Stairway to Heaven’ lies in its beautifully variegated leaves Each leaf is divided into numerous leaflets displaying an intricate pattern of creamy white and bright green New growth emerges in a pinkish hue before maturing into the bolder two-tone pattern, This exquisite foliar display remains attractive all season long, The variegation adds light and contrast to the shaded garden,
Graceful Growth Habit
In addition to its decorative leaves, ‘Stairway to Heaven’ exhibits a tidy, mounding growth form. The lush foliage reaches just 12-18 inches tall and wide in maturity. Dense clumps spread slowly through rhizomatous roots over time. While it can be grown singly, it truly shines when mass planted as a ground cover. The cascading, layered foliage evokes a gentle, waterfall-like effect.
Spring Flower Production
Though grown mostly for its foliage, ‘Stairway to Heaven’ does produce charming spring blooms. Clusters of small, lavender-blue bell-shaped flowers arise on short stalks above the leaves in late spring. These delicate blossoms complement the foliage, attracting pollinators before giving way to waves of fresh new growth. Removing spent blooms promotes additional flushes of flowers.
Easygoing Nature
Beyond its ornamental virtues, ‘Stairway to Heaven’ garners favor for being adaptable and undemanding in the garden. It thrives in part to full shade, only requiring moist, humus-rich soil. Once established, it exhibits good drought and heat tolerance. The dense clumping form prevents most weeds. Pests and diseases rarely bother this carefree Jacob’s ladder selection.
Prominent Use in Gardens
The collective merits of ‘Stairway to Heaven’ make it a fixture in many styles of gardens across USDA zones 3-8. Its small stature suits rock gardens, edges and containers. Woodland gardens allow its glowing foliage to illuminate shady beds and paths. Cottage gardens weave its mounds through other shade perennials and bulbs. It frequently partners with hostas, ferns, astilbes and hellebores.
Availability from Specialty Growers
Due to its status as a patented plant, you’re unlikely to find ‘Stairway to Heaven’ at your local big box store. Seek it out from reputable perennial growers and online specialty nurseries like Monrovia and Bluestone Perennials. Be patient – high demand means it may sell out quickly. But this angelic Jacob’s ladder is worth the pursuit for its graceful charm in shady plantings.
The legendary Jacob’s ladder ‘Stairway to Heaven’ fascinates gardeners with its artful leaves and carefree nature. If you have a shady spot begging for illumination, consider adding this celestial perennial to send your garden upward to new heights of beauty.
Possible Substitutions for Polemonium reptans ‘Stairway to Heaven’
- Light Conditions: Shade To Part Sun
- Flower Color: Blue
- Light Conditions: Shade To Part Sun
- Flower Color: Blue
- Light Conditions: Shade To Part Sun
- Flower Color: Blue
Best Perennials for Shade – Polemonium ‘Stairway to Heaven’ (Jacob’s ladder)
What is the best variegated Jacob’s 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.
Do Jacob’s Ladder plants need sun?
Jacob’s ladder plants prefer partial or dappled shade. Varieties with dark green leaves can handle more direct sun than the variegated varieties, so long as the soil is kept consistently moist. Plant Jacob’s ladder in loose, rich, well-draining soil that will remain moist but not wet.
How do you grow creeping Jacob’s Ladder?
Creeping Jacob’s ladder grows best in consistently moist, organically rich soils, with early foliage emerging pink before maturing to green. Plant in partial shade for best results! ‘Stairway to Heaven’ is a variegated cultivar with white-edged leaves.
How do you propagate Jacob’s Ladder?
Jacob’s ladder propagates easily by being divided. Mature Jacob’s ladder plants should be divided every three to four years, or they will start to die out in the center. They divide most easily and successfully in early spring. Here’s how: Locate the plant to separate and carefully unearth the clump so you can see to divide it into two sections.
