Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’

Common name: Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’

* Botanical name: Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’

* What it is: A perennial plant grown mainly for its large, corrugated, powdery-blue leaves and shade-tolerance. Gets lavender trumpet-shaped flowers in late summer. Seldom bothered by slugs (the bane of many hosta).

* Size: Foliage is upright and vase-shaped to 2½ feet tall and wide. Flower scapes shoot up another foot.

* Where to use: Northern or eastern foundations, under trees or massed in any shade situation. Part to full shade.

* Care: Keep damp the first season, then water and fertilizer usually not needed. Snip off flower stems after bloom. Cut or rake off flattened, browned-out leaves at end of winter. Division not necessary but can be done in spring before new growth begins if you’d like more plants. Watch out for deer! Hostas are a favorite…

* Great partner: Liriope ‘Big Blue’ or ‘Royal Purple’ (perennials) or pink or white impatiens (annuals).