William Cullina with the New England Wild Flower Society knew he had stumbled upon something special when he discovered Polemonium reptans ‘Stairway to Heaven’ in 1999. While evaluating seedlings of P. reptans var. reptans, Cullina chanced upon a plant with a creamy white band around each leaflet.
He carefully potted it up and monitored its progress. The mature plant turned out to be even more attractive. The leaflets, arranged in two ranks like the rungs of a ladder, were a blend of white, pink, light and dark green. When Cullina showed a slide of the plant at a nursery conference it elicited gasps from the audience.
It has had a similar effect on gardeners since it entered the market in 2005. ‘Stairway to Heaven’ is prized for its ability to brighten semi-shade areas. It’s also one tough character -- even though it’s not a true wildflower. ‘Stairway to Heaven’ has the rugged constitution of wild P. reptans, unlike some short-lived European species, Cullina said.
“To a gardener, this difference neatly and succinctly demonstrates one of the benefits of natives -- their ruggedness, adaptability and suitability for our climate and soils,” he said.
Heavenly beauty
The striking foliage of ‘Stairway to Heaven’ is its most notable attribute. Pink leaf tones are visible in early spring. The green on the leaves becomes richer and more pronounced as the weather heats up. Fresh leaves emerge throughout the growing season, which keep the plant looking good until fall.
The plant’s flowers also lend to its charm. Pale lavender-blue, bell-shaped flowers with white stamens appear in early summer and persist until mid-summer. Flowers are lightly fragrant.
‘Stairway to Heaven’ has a mounding habit and reaches 12-24 inches tall with a spread of 12-18 inches. The plant tolerates full sun in cool summer climates. In most locations part shade is best. It grows best in well-drained, fertile soils with pH of 5.6-6.8.
This Polemonium probably needs some winter chilling for best growth and flowering, according to Terra Nova Nurseries. It has a high tolerance to East Coast heat and humidity. Water and fertilization needs are moderate.
Once it’s placed in the landscape, ‘Stairway to Heaven’ is easy to care for. It is generally considered deer resistant and attracts butterflies. Deadheading will encourage some reblooming in late summer. The plant can be divided in spring or fall, although it is usually not necessary.
‘Stairway to Heaven’ is a patented plant. Royalties benefit the New England Wild Flower Society.
For more: New England Wild Flower Society, (508) 877-7630; www.newfs.org. Terra Nova Nurseries, (800) 215-9450; www.terranovanurseries.com.
Specifics
Name: Polemonium reptans ‘Stairway to Heaven’
Common name: Variegated Jacob’s-ladder
Family: Polemoniaceae.
Description: Herbaceous perennial with striking variegated foliage. Larger than other Polemonium varieties with a looser, mounding habit.
Propagation: Tissue culture.
Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zone 3-9.
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Uses: Ideal as a specimen in a woodland garden. Also appropriate for shady borders.
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