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Herbaceous Perennial

Polemonium reptans 'Stairway to Heaven'PBR (v)

Jacob's ladder 'Stairway to Heaven'

A variegated, clump-forming, spreading deciduous perennial. Pinnate mid-green leaves have creamy-white margins, flushed pink in cooler spring weather. Small bell-shaped flowers, are light blue to white, and are slightly fragrant.

Synonyms
Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue White Green Cream White Pink Variegated
Summer Variegated Green Cream White
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Polemoniaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched, Clump forming
Genus

Polemonium can be annuals or herbaceous perennials or upright or spreading habit, with pinnate leaves and usually clustered, tubular, bell, or funnel-shaped flowers

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any fertile, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade for best results, but will tolerate full sun

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back to the base in autumn. Deadhead flowers

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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