Perennials

Polemonium reptans 'Stairway to Heaven'

Stairway to Heaven Jacob’s ladder

Stairway to Heaven Jacob’s ladder showing its variegated foliage and pale blue flowers. Photo by David J. Stang / CC BY-SA 4.0.

Cream-edged, ferny leaves blush pink in cool spring weather. Lightly fragrant blue flowers rise above the low mound. Protect from hot afternoon sun.

At a glance

Sun: Part shade
Mature size: 10–16 in. tall × 16–18 in. wide
Water: Average to moist
Hardiness: USDA zones 3–9
Bloom: Violet blue; mid–late spring.

Sizes & prices

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Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Resistant, not browse-proof.
Drought: Water during dry spells.
Wet soil: Moist, well-drained soil; avoid standing water.
Clay soil: Suitable with appropriate drainage.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Native range

Native range / parentage: Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.

Growing & care

Cleanup: Remove spent flower stems after blooming.
Maintenance: Leave sound stems for winter interest and wildlife if desired. Remove dead stems before fresh spring growth, avoiding new shoots and retaining healthy basal foliage.

Sources & photo credits

Perennials.com

nursery-crop-extension.mgcafe.uky.edu

Royal Horticultural Society

Photo: Photo by David J. Stang / CC BY-SA 4.0; resized and converted to WebP · CC BY-SA 4.0

Image notes: Stairway to Heaven Jacob’s ladder showing its variegated foliage and pale blue flowers. Photo by David J. Stang / CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and converted to WebP.

Reviewed September 19, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.