Transport your garden to the Cretaceous period with the 'Gigantosaurus' hosta. A child of the imposing 'Empress Wu', this bicolored behemoth tops 6 feet across. Sturdy blue-green leaves with creamy yellow margins boast a crinkled, dino-skin texture.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Gigantosaurus' PP 35135

Common Name: Gigantosaurus Hosta, Shadowland Gigantosaurus Hosta

Garden Size: 30-32 inches tall by 72-78 inches wide; scape height 24-30 inches

Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Extra large, heart-shaped leaves with creamy yellow margins and glaucous blue-green centers. The transition between center and margin has a feathered, brushed appearance. Yellow margins brighten to white as they mature. The thick, sturdy leaves have deep veins, a corrugated texture, and gently wavy edges.

Flowers: Pale lavender, tube-shaped flowers that grow on scapes above the foliage. Blooms early to mid summer.

Plant Origin: East Asia, primarily Japan and Korea. Most commercially available hostas are hybrids.

Wildlife Support: Hummingbirds and some bees enjoy the flowers. A favorite treat for our local deer.

Fertilizing: Apply compost in early spring before new growth emerges.

Pruning: Remove spent flower stalks to encourage new growth; trim back damaged or yellowing leaves as needed. Leave the leaves over the winter and wait until early spring to clean up.

ASPCA Toxicity flags (see their site for details): Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Uses: Ideal for shade gardens, woodland borders, and container plantings.

AHS Classification: I-5b (Giant Leaved, Yellow Margined, Green to Blue Center)

Parentage: Hybrid of streaked sport of H. 'Empress Wu' x H. 'Blueberry Muffin'

Notes: Part of the Shadowland collection of hostas from Proven Winners.