Stairway to Heaven is a variegated Jacob's ladder with ladder-like leaflets edged in creamy white, and the new spring growth takes on a pink flush that reads almost floral by itself. Clusters of soft blue, bell-shaped flowers rise above the foliage in spring, feeding early bees and butterflies.

In our climate it wants morning sun or bright shade with steady moisture; hot afternoon sun scorches the variegation. Tuck it toward the front of a shaded border with ferns and heuchera. Deer and rabbits generally leave it alone, and clumps stay a polite foot or two around.