Hosta 'Wind Beneath My Wings'

Hosta 'Wind Beneath My Wings': Grandeur in Gentle Motion

Impressive in scale and elegance, Hosta 'Wind Beneath My Wings' offers a dramatic presence with its massive, deeply corrugated blue-green leaves. Each broad, cupped leaf lifts and ripples slightly at the edges, giving the entire plant a sense of poised movement—like foliage caught in a soft breeze. Tall scapes bearing pale lavender flowers appear in midsummer, complementing the refined foliage.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 75–90 cm
• Spread: 150–180 cm, forming an immense, vase-shaped clump
• Flower Colour: Pale lavender
• Flowering Period: Midsummer
• Foliage: Very large, cupped and puckered blue-green leaves with undulating edges; heavy substance and dramatic texture
• Sunlight Requirements: Partial to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, organically rich soil

Uses and Benefits: Hosta 'Wind Beneath My Wings' is a commanding anchor plant for shaded borders, woodland gardens, or large-scale perennial compositions. Its bold texture and upright form contrast beautifully with finer foliage, and its strong substance offers good slug resistance. Ideal for making a confident yet calming impact in serene shade plantings.

Companion Plants: Pair Hosta 'Wind Beneath My Wings' with Astilbe 'Amethyst', whose feathery blooms rise alongside the hosta’s upright foliage. Add Dryopteris 'Toothed Wood Fern' for soft, woodland texture at its base. Finish with Carex pensylvanica, a native sedge that gently weaves through the planting and enhances its naturalistic appeal.

Care Instructions: Plant in partial to full shade with evenly moist, rich soil. Protect from hot afternoon sun to preserve leaf colour and texture. Water deeply during dry spells. Remove old foliage in early spring, and divide every 4–5 years to maintain size and vigour.

History: Hosta 'Wind Beneath My Wings' is a tetraploid sport of 'Choo Choo Train', bred by Steve Schulte. It was introduced for its improved substance, deeper corrugation, and more upright architecture—earning admiration among collectors for both form and performance.

Final Thoughts: With presence and poise, Hosta 'Wind Beneath My Wings' brings elegance and strength to the shade—a reminder that the garden’s most graceful moments often come from its quiet giants.