Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full shade, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing
Position in border:
Middle

Soil

Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Jacob's ladder, Polemonium, is a lovely clump-forming perennial, requiring little maintenance. It performs best in borders with moist but well-drained soil. In early summer it produces bell-shaped flowers, which can be prolonged by regular deadheading. Plants can be propagated by sowing seed in autumn or spring, or by dividing plants in spring.

'Stairway to Heaven' forms a low mound of cream-edged green leaves, which are flushed with pink in cool spring weather. In mid-to late spring, clusters of light blue-white flowers hang on upright stems. It's ideal for using as ground cover at the front of shady borders and edging paths.

For best results, grow Polemonium reptans 'Stairway to Heaven' in moist but well-drained soil, in partial shade. Cut back after flowering to encourage a second flush of blooms. In autumn cut back again to ground level.

Read our full guide to growing polemonium.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Divideyesyesyesyesyes
Pruneyesyesyesyesyes

Polemonium ‘Stairway to heaven’ and wildlife

Polemonium ‘Stairway to heaven’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Polemonium ‘Stairway to heaven’ poisonous?

Polemonium ‘Stairway to heaven’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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