Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’ has blue foliage from late spring through early fall. In summer, tall flower spikes bear lavender blooms. (Richie Steffen)

Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’ has blue foliage from late spring through early fall. In summer, tall flower spikes bear lavender blooms. (Richie Steffen)

Great Plant Pick: Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’ aka ‘Ginba Giboshi’

This hosta has blue foliage from late spring through early fall. In summer, tall flower spikes bear lavender blooms.

What: Hosta “Krossa Regal” is a stately large hosta with a unique and distinctive upright mounding form. The rigid blue leaves have a wonderful architectural quality that makes it easy to add to the garden. Tall graceful flower stems that reach as high as 5 feet are topped with spikes of trumpet-shaped lavender blooms. Although no hosta is immune to slugs, this one does show some resistance, especially once the foliage matures. This cultivar was originally imported from Japan in the mid-1960s, where it is known under the name “Ginba Giboshi.”

Where: Most hostas prefer a location in light to open shade. ‘Krossa Regal’ will tolerate full sun and has better blue foliage with as least some direct sun. Plant it in a location with rich moist to well-drained soils. Most hostas will tolerate sandy sites as well as clay.

Size: This mounding perennial grows to be 1½ feet tall and 3 feet wide when mature.

Care: This hosta resents drying out. During dry weather provide regular watering, especially in sandy soils. Hot locations should be avoided. Flowers can be removed once the blooms have faded and the foliage can be cut to the ground in fall.

— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Picks

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