Jacob's Ladder Polemonium reptans 'Stairway to Heaven' (PBR) (v)
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Stairway to Heaven', which is a Jacob's ladder cultivar, boasts a striking appearance that appeals to many garden enthusiasts. Its foliage is particularly noteworthy for its variegation. The leaves are typically composed of leaflets arranged on either side of a central stalk, giving them a ladder-like appearance, which is a characteristic feature of Jacob's ladder plants. In the 'Stairway to Heaven' variety, the leaflets emerge with a strong cream to white edge, creating a bright contrast against the green center. During the cooler parts of the growing season, the variegated edges can take on a pinkish tinge, enhancing the plant's overall ornamental value. This coloration makes 'Stairway to Heaven' particularly attractive as it stands out in the garden with its distinct variegation patterns. In addition to the leaves, the 'Stairway to Heaven' produces clusters of delicate, bell-shaped flowers. These flowers are usually a soft blue to lavender color and appear in the spring or early summer, depending on the local climate. The blossoms are held above the foliage on upright stems, creating a gentle, nodding effect that can give a garden a sense of softness and movement. The variegated leaves combined with the gentle blue flowers of the 'Stairway to Heaven' Jacob's ladder make it a highly decorative addition to any garden setting, particularly when seeking to add lightness and a splash of color to shaded areas.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Polemoniaceae.
Synonyms
Jacob's Ladder, Creeping Jacob's Ladder, American Greek Valerian, False Jacob's Ladder, Spreading Jacob's Ladder, Stairway to Heaven.
Common names
Polemonium reptans 'Stairway to Heaven' (PBR) (v)
ToxicityTo humans
Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium reptans 'Stairway to Heaven') is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented reports of poisoning or serious side effects associated with ingestion of this plant. However, like with any plant, individual sensitivities can occur and it is generally recommended to avoid consuming parts of ornamental plants due to the uncertain effects they may have.
To pets
Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium reptans 'Stairway to Heaven') is also not commonly known to be toxic to pets including cats and dogs. There's limited information on its toxicity to pets, but it is not listed among the commonly known toxic plants. As with humans, it's best to prevent pets from ingesting plants not intended for consumption to avoid any potential gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Blue
Height
1 foot 4 inches (40 cm)
Spread
1 foot 4 inches (40 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: The variegated leaves of Polemonium reptans 'Stairway to Heaven' are green with white edges, adding visual interest to the garden with their unique coloration.
- Seasonal Interest: It produces delicate, bell-shaped blue flowers in the spring, providing seasonal color and interest to garden spaces.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Easy to Grow: This cultivar is known for being easy to grow and maintain, making it a good choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
- Shade Tolerance: It thrives in partial shade conditions where other plants might not perform as well, offering a solution for less sunny garden areas.
- Naturalizing: This plant can spread and create a naturalized area in the garden, filling in spaces and helping to compete with weeds.
- Compact Size: Its compact and clump-forming habit makes it suitable for small gardens, borders, or as an understory plant in woodland gardens.
- Seasonal Flexibility: Being a perennial, it returns year after year, offering long-term value and reducing the need to replant annually.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The leaves of Jacob's ladder may be used to create a natural green dye for textiles.
- Photography subject: The distinct foliage and delicate flowers of Jacob's ladder make it a popular subject for garden photographers and plant enthusiasts.
- Craft projects: Dried flowers of Jacob's ladder can be used in scrapbooking, pressed flower art, or as embellishments in greeting cards.
- Educational tool: Jacob's ladder can be included in plant biology curricula to teach about pollination and plant growth habits.
- Theme gardens: Use Jacob's ladder to create a 'Stairway to Heaven' theme in a garden, combining plants with celestial or mythical names.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried, the flowers can enhance bouquets with their delicate structure and pastel shades.
- Children’s gardens: With its whimsical name and ladder-like leaves, it can make a unique addition to a garden designed to spark children's imagination.
- Literary inspiration: Gardeners who enjoy literature may plant Jacob's ladder to evoke imagery from the Biblical story of Jacob or to inspire poetry and prose.
- Garden border accents: Planted along borders, Jacob's ladder's colorful variegated foliage contrasts well with solid green plants, providing visual interest.
- Habitat creation: In the wild, Jacob's ladder can provide shelter and food for small wildlife, like native bees and butterflies.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Jacob's Ladder is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Jacob's Ladder is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Heavenly or Spiritual Ascent: The common name "Jacob's Ladder," which is often associated with Polemonium reptans, is derived from the biblical story of Jacob's dream of a ladder reaching to heaven. This can symbolize the connection between the earthly and the divine or the individual's journey towards spiritual enlightenment.
- Peace and Tranquility: Its gentle appearance and soft, green foliage may evoke a sense of calm and peacefulness, making it a symbol of serenity and the soothing elements of nature.
- Humility: The modest characteristics of this plant, with its delicate flowers and unassuming stature, can represent simplicity and humbleness in one's character.
WaterJacob’s Ladder should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this may mean watering once or twice a week, depending on climate and weather conditions, but always check the soil moisture before watering. Provide Jacob’s Ladder with about one gallon of water at each watering session, ensuring even distribution across the planting area. It's important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. During the winter months, water less frequently as the plant's water requirements diminish.
LightJacob’s Ladder thrives in part shade, where it receives filtered sunlight or bright indirect light for most of the day. It's ideal to place it in a location that is shielded from the hot afternoon sun, such as in a spot with morning light and afternoon shade. Avoid deep shade or full sun locations as they can either leggy growth or scorch the delicate foliage.
TemperatureJacob’s Ladder does well in a range of temperatures and is winter hardy. It prefers a temperature range between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive in temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit during dormancy. The plant can flourish during the other seasons as long as the temperature doesn't exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune Jacob’s Ladder in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to maintain the desired shape. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage reblooming. Pruning is typically done once a year or as needed to keep the plant healthy and aesthetically pleasing.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJacob's Ladder 'Stairway to Heaven' thrives in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral. A mix of garden loam, peat, and a handful of perlite or sand to improve drainage makes an ideal soil combination for this shade-tolerant perennial.
RepottingJacob's Ladder 'Stairway to Heaven' does not need frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every 2-3 years. It's best to repot during the cooler months of early spring or late fall to reduce stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingJacob's Ladder 'Stairway to Heaven' prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable to typical garden conditions. It can tolerate some variation in humidity, although prolonged dry air can cause leaf edges to brown.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright, indirect light with moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleJacob's Ladder begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs when soil temperatures warm in spring. The seedlings grow into rosettes of green leaves with creamy white variegation at the margins, which mature into clump-forming perennials. The plant then enters a vegetative state where it develops its distinctive pinnate leaves and strengthens its root system. As it matures, it sends up flowering stalks in late spring to early summer, featuring clusters of blue to lavender flowers. After pollination, typically by bees and butterflies, it sets seed, which will fall to the ground and go dormant until the next spring. Over time, the clumps may grow larger and can be divided in the fall or early spring to propagate new plants and maintain the health of the plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Polemonium reptans 'Stairway to Heaven', commonly known as Jacob's Ladder, is by division. Typically, gardeners divide the plant in early spring or fall when the weather is cool, to help reduce transplant shock. To propagate by division, dig up the entire plant, taking care not to damage its root system. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each has a good amount of roots and at least a few shoots. Replant the divisions immediately, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart, and water them thoroughly. This method ensures a quick establishment of new plants that will develop into full clumps and flower in a season or two. Dividing also helps rejuvenate older plants that may have become woody or less vigorous.
