Hosta 'Regal Splendor'

Sizes available: #1 (Trade gallon)

Basics: zones 3-8, 14" x 36", part to full shade (morning sun is ok), purple bloom in mid summer, the leaves of this Hosta are a silvery-blue, pointy, and have an irregular creamy margin, enjoys consistent moisture if possible, however, once established is drought tolerant in the shadiest spots and grows well under trees

Common names: Plantain Lily, Funkia

Family: Asparagaceae

Origin/Distribution: Species Hostas hail from China, Japan, Korea, and the eastern edge of Russia. They have a special place in people's hearts. We could say they are the dogs of the plant world and just like dogs have been hybridized, selected, bred, and cross bred to create thousands of registered varieties. The American Hosta Society recognizes over 7,200. 

Habitat: Species have a variety of habitats, but some shade and moisture are pretty consistent desires. They are found in rich woodlands, along forest margins, damp meadows and open grassland at higher elevations, on moss-covered trees (H. venusta), peat bogs (H. alismifolia), stream banks and swamps (H. kiyosumiensis), mountainous forests (H. plantaginea). Some grow on steep slopes and in rock walls. 

More: 'Regal Splendor' is a large, vase-shaped cultivar. Its leaves look very handsome in big flower arrangements. In the garden it is a nice counterpoint to lower, wider Hostas. Hostas are tough perennials that add scale and texture to woodland gardens. 

Although most Hostas like some moisture, I have found them to be quite drought tolerant once established. The bees in my garden feed on the blooms. Hostas are not deer, rabbit, slug, or vole resistant. All species of Hosta are edible and some are bred to increase edibility, however, in large amounts, the saponins are toxic to pets. I have never seen a dog, cat, or horse taste test a Hosta, but keep this in mind. I wonder how deer manage with this toxicity. All Hosta leaves are wonderful additions to flower arrangements and last a long time in the vase. I also like to use the flower stalks in bud for an unusual texture. 

Nursery: Van Berkum

Image credits: Honey Petal Plants, leaf detail and overall form of the plant