An elegant mound of huge, blue-green, shield-shaped leaves. A powdery glaucous coating gives the foliage a soft bluish-gray tint, which is best preserved in light sun. Stalks of white, bell-shaped flowers adorn this stately shade dweller in summer.

Scientific Name: Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans', Hosta 'Elegans'

Common Name: Elegans Hosta

Garden Size: 20 inches tall by 40-72 inches wide; scape height 24-40 inches

Growth Rate: Most hostas have a moderate to fast growth rate.

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Large, rounded, bluish-gray-green leaves that acquire a corrugated texture in maturity.

Flowers: White, tube-shaped flowers that grow on scapes above the foliage. Blooms 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: II-2 (Large Leaved, Blue)

Parentage: Parentage unknown