Polemonium reptans 'Stairway to Heaven'

'Stairway to Heaven' Jacob's Ladder

'Stairway to Heaven' is a colorful new cultivar of the native form, featuring green leaves with white leaf margins that are tinged with pink in spring.

Pale lavender blue, bell-shaped flowers bloom for many weeks in late spring. Foliage provides good contrast to other shade plants and combines well with purple Heucheras and deep green ferns.

This Jacob's Ladder was selected by Bill Cullina of the New England Wildflower Society after observing its longevity in their garden and nursery. A portion of sale of this plant benefits NEWFS.

Benefits

	Handsome plant with colorful foliage to light up shade areas
	Clusters of blue flowers provide nectar for pollinators for many weeks in spring
	Unlike other variegated Polemonium, plants are hardy and long-lived

Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips

Best grown in moist, rich, well-drained soil in part shade.

Tolerates full sun in cool summer climates.

May rebloom in early summer if you remove spent flowers in the spring.

Height 15-18 Inches

Spread 12-15 Inches

Native Range Moist woods; New York to Minnesota, south to Oklahoma and Alabama.

Native Trivia Butterflies often bask using their wings as solar collectors. After a cool night, their wing muscles must warm up before they can fly. Set out a rock or two where morning light will warm them so butterflies can take advantage of the early morning sun.

USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8

"Though most of us butterflies love sun, some of my cousins search woodlands for plants like this to nectar on."

Good Companions Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), Geranium 'Espresso' (Cranesbill) (Geranium maculatum), 'Dale's Strain' Coral Bells (Heuchera americana), 'Running Tapestry' Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)

Characteristics & Attributes

Plan Sub Group • Low Perennials	Exposure • Filtered Shade	Soil Moisture Preference • Average • Moist	Attracts Wildlife • Butterflies
Bloom Time • Early Spring • Late Spring / Early Summer	Habitat Collection • Butterfly	Foliage Color • Green