Hosta 'Wind Beneath My Wings'

Hosta 'Wind Beneath My Wings': Ruffled Blue Giant That Smothers Weeds

Long, arching powder-blue leaves with rippled edges, sweeping out like it's about to belt a power ballad at karaoke. 'Wind Beneath My Wings' HITS EVERY HIGH NOTE.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Hosta 'Wind Beneath My Wings'
• Common Name: Plantain Lily, Hosta
• Height: 75 cm (30 in), with flower scapes to about 105 cm (3.5 ft)
• Spread: 200 cm (6.5 ft) at maturity
• Flowers: Pale lavender with white edges, on arching blue scapes
• Bloom Time: Midsummer (July)
• Foliage: Powder blue, long, arching, heart-shaped leaves up to about 35 cm (14 in) long, with deep veins and heavily rippled margins
• Plant Patent: USPP 33,317

Where to Plant: This is a specimen plant, so give it a spot of its own under a high tree canopy, at a bend in a woodland path, or as the anchor at the back of a big shade bed. One plant fills a lot of ground and doubles as a weed-smothering groundcover, but protect it if deer and rabbits are regulars.

Companion Plants: Astilbe 'Little Vision in Pink' fits in front at 35 to 40 cm, with fluffy pink plumes in July and August that overlap this tall hosta's July bloom. Uvularia grandiflora opens yellow bells in April and May, before the hosta flowers. Carex pensylvanica makes a fine, grassy carpet at 15 to 30 cm, a soft contrast to the hosta's big leaves. All three thrive in full shade to part sun.

Plant Care: Plant in spring or early fall in deep, moist, humus-rich soil that drains well. Leave plenty of room: space it about 2 metres from its neighbours. Clay soils benefit from a generous helping of compost. Water deeply through the first summer and during dry spells after that. Big leaves lose a lot of water. The blue colour is a waxy coating, so morning sun with afternoon shade keeps it bluest. Like most giant hostas, it takes a few years to reach full size and show its best ruffles. Cut back the foliage after frost or in spring. Division is rarely needed. Do it in early spring if you want to share a piece.

History: Hans Hansen bred 'Wind Beneath My Wings' at Walters Gardens in Michigan from a cross of two big blue hostas, 'Neptune' and 'Queen of the Seas', and it was registered with the American Hosta Society in 2019. Its ruffled edges come from both sides of the family.

Final Thoughts: Big, graceful and low maintenance. Plant it in the shade and let it take the spotlight. LIGHTERS IN THE AIR, EVERYBODY.