Hosta 'Krossa Regal'

Hosta 'Krossa Regal': Frosty Blue Standing at Attention

Powdery blue-green leaves held up in a tall vase shape, like a guest who only sits on the good chairs. 'Krossa Regal' stands upright, chin up, ABOVE IT ALL. Literally.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Hosta 'Krossa Regal'
• Common Name: Plantain Lily, Hosta
• Height: 90–95 cm (35–37 in)
• Spread: 90–150 cm (35–59 in)
• Flowers: Lavender bells on very tall scapes that can reach well above the leaves
• Bloom Time: Mid to late summer (July to August)
• Foliage: Powdery blue-green, slightly wavy leaves in an upright, vase-shaped clump
• Features: Good slug resistance

Where to Plant: Its upright shape gives height to a shade border without the bulk, so use it as a specimen, in a large container, or behind lower plantings so its vase form shows. The waxy blue coating holds best in shade and fades a little in strong sun.

Companion Plants: Plant tall, vase-shaped 'Krossa Regal' in a moist, shady bed with yellow bellwort, gold bleeding hearts and late white heuchera. Uvularia grandiflora opens nodding yellow bellwort at 30 to 45 cm in April and May. Dicentra 'Gold Heart' adds rose-pink hearts over gold leaves at 60 to 75 cm in May and June. Heuchera 'Autumn Bride' brings white flowers at 45 to 50 cm from August to October. Carex 'Ice Dance' edges the front with white-edged blades at 30 cm.

Plant Care: Plant in part sun to full shade, in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Work in compost at planting. Water well in its first season and during dry spells. Avoid overhead watering when you can, since it rinses off some of the blue bloom. Cut the flower stems after bloom and clear the leaves after a hard frost. Divide in spring or early fall if the clump outgrows its spot. Deer and rabbits do eat hostas, so protect it where they roam.

History: 'Krossa Regal' was registered in 1980 by G. and A. Krossa and is listed as a hybrid of Hosta nigrescens, a Japanese species known for upright, grey-blue foliage. It has been a fixture in American Hosta Society popularity polls for years and is still one of the most recognizable vase-shaped hostas in gardens.

Final Thoughts: Perfect for a spot where you need height in the shade. The slugs keep their distance, as is proper. PLEASE BOW ON YOUR WAY OUT.