Hosta (Hosta 'Krossa Regal')
Hosta 'Krossa Regal' is a large, vase-shaped perennial prized for its blue-green foliage and low maintenance needs in shade gardens.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’ delivers striking vertical interest to the shade garden, distinguishing itself from standard mounding varieties with its upright, vase-shaped habit. This large Hosta cultivar is primarily celebrated for its ornamental foliage—thick, frosty blue-green leaves that provide excellent texture even when not in bloom. It is exceptionally valuable for gardeners seeking reliable, low-maintenance structure in deep shade locations.
Originating from a genus celebrated globally for its foliage excellence, Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’ maintains its form beautifully throughout the growing season. Though its large lavender blooms are a summer feature, gardeners rely on this Hosta for its architectural presence, making it a steadfast performer in woodland settings and shaded borders where few other perennials thrive.
This herbaceous perennial is known for its dependability, thriving with minimal cultural interference once established. Providing consistent moisture and appropriate shade allows Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’ to achieve its full, impressive stature, reinforcing its status as an indispensable shade garden staple.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asparagaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-6 ft
- Spread: 3-6 ft
- Bloom Time: July to August
- Bloom Description: Lavender
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’ establishes best when planted in the spring or autumn, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist, organically rich, and well-drained. While these Hostas manage with some dry shade tolerance once mature, achieving the best size and leaf quality requires consistent moisture throughout the season. Optimal location placement is vital; aim for part shade, benefiting from morning sun or dappled light, while protecting the upright foliage from strong, damaging winds.
Care is generally straightforward, fitting the low-maintenance profile of the Hosta genus. Water Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’ thoroughly, applying moisture directly to the soil beneath the leaves to minimize humidity build-up on the foliage, which can sometimes encourage fungal issues. Fertilization is rarely necessary in rich garden soil, but annual applications of compost can boost overall vigor.
Dividing established clumps of Hosta is simple and should be done as needed, preferably in early spring before the emerging foliage unfurls or in the autumn. This perennial is remarkably resilient, making it an easy choice for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to fill larger, shady spaces effectively.
Landscape Uses
Hostas are the undisputed workhorses of shady borders, and Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’ excels due to its height and strong vertical orientation. Unlike many mounding types, its vase shape makes it an excellent tall specimen plant utilized near entryways or as a structural element in woodland gardens. Its size allows it to function beautifully as a background plant, contrasting well with shorter, fine-textured shade perennials.
These plants are very effective when massed together, creating a cohesive sweep of blue-gray foliage that brightens dark corners. For companion planting, consider pairings that complement its upright habit, such as ferns with delicate fronds or flowering shade dwellers like Astilbe or various woodland phlox that offer contrasting color and texture against the bold leaves of the Hosta.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Hosta is a genus of about 70 species of shade-loving, rhizomatous, clump-forming, herbaceous perennials which are native to open woodlands, woodland margins and glades in Japan, Korea, China and eastern Russia. ‘Krossa Regal’ is a large to giant hosta hybrid notable for its upright, vase-shaped habit, reaching 3-6’ wide, and featuring smooth, thick, blue-green leaves up to 12” long. Mid to late summer brings trumpet-shaped, lavender flowers blooming atop very tall scapes that rise significantly above the dense foliage mound.
Tolerances
- Heavy Shade
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
Slugs and snails are the most notorious pests for the Hosta family, attracted to the lush foliage and capable of chewing significant jagged holes quickly. While Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’ exhibits good inherent resistance to these common mollusks, vigilance is still recommended, especially when leaves are young. Watch for foliar nematodes, which cause unsightly interveinal browning; clean cultural practices help minimize leaf spots and crown rot. Should any pathogens like Hosta Virus X be suspected, infected plants must be removed and destroyed immediately to prevent spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Hosta suitable for?
Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 8.
How large does Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’ grow?
This is a large Hosta, typically reaching a height between 3 and 6 feet, with a spread also spanning 3 to 6 feet.
What sun exposure does Hosta need?
This plant performs best in part shade, though it tolerates full shade conditions, thriving away from intense afternoon sun exposure.
When does Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’ bloom?
The lavender, trumpet-shaped flowers typically appear in mid to late summer, specifically between July and August.
Conclusion
Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’ remains a premier choice for gardeners aiming to establish structure and consistent color in low-light areas. Its unique vase shape and beautiful blue-green foliage offer year-round architectural interest, backed by its low-maintenance requirements. Assess your shaded landscape today to ensure your native soil conditions align with the medium water needs before planting this magnificent Hosta variety.
Companion Planting
When integrating Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’ into a shade garden composition, thoughtful companion planting enhances both texture and color contrast. Because this Hosta grows quite tall and provides dense coverage, pair it with low-growing groundcovers that appreciate similar conditions. Consider plants like Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) which offers delicate white flowers and fine foliage that contrasts beautifully against the thick leaves of the Hosta.
For vertical contrast, ferns that possess a lighter, more airy habit thrive alongside the more substantial structure of Hosta. Delicate Japanese Painted Ferns can offer silver or bronze tones that harmonize with the cool blue-gray of Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’, creating layered interest as the season progresses. Ensure any companion is also tolerant of medium moisture levels, mimicking the preferred environment for optimal Hosta growth.
Design Ideas for Upright Hostas
The vase-like habit of Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’ makes it uniquely suited for specific design roles often challenging for standard mounding cultivars. Use several plants spaced appropriately to create an informal, upright screen along a property line or to define the transition between a wooded area and a lawn. Their height means they can anchor a border without obscuring smaller spring ephemerals planted in front of them.
In contemporary or modern shade gardens, the strong vertical lines of this Hosta offer geometric appeal. Plant Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’ near hardscaping elements like retaining walls or large boulders to soften sharp edges while maintaining an architectural presence year-round. Its large leaf size also makes it an excellent focal point when containerized, provided the pot is adequately large to accommodate its mature spread.
