How to Grow Hosta Krossa Regal
Hosta Krossa Regal
Hosta 'Krossa Regal'
perennialHosta 'Krossa Regal' is an elegant shade-loving perennial with striking upright, deeply veined blue-green foliage that forms a vase-shaped mound. Known for its architectural form and lavender flowers on tall spikes, this cultivar is prized as a specimen plant or focal point in shaded gardens. It's a medium to large hosta that matures slowly but becomes increasingly impressive with age.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8; most vigorous in zones 4-7
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Growth Stages
Dormancy/Spring Emergence
March-April in most zonesPlant is dormant in winter; new shoots emerge from crown in spring as soil warms
Remove winter mulch as shoots emerge; divide if needed in early spring before growth begins; apply fresh compost or slow-release fertilizer
Vegetative Growth
April-JuneUnfurling upright leaves with distinctive blue-green color and prominent veining; plant develops its characteristic vase or mound shape
Water regularly and deeply; maintain consistent moisture; mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds; monitor for slug damage on emerging leaves
Pre-flowering
June-JulyGrowth continues; flower scapes (tall stems) begin to form in the center of the plant; foliage reaches near-mature size
Continue regular watering; provide balanced fertilizer if desired; continue monitoring for pests; the vase shape becomes more pronounced
Flowering
July-AugustTall lavender or pale purple tubular flowers bloom on scapes that rise above the foliage; flowers appear in racemes and attract hummingbirds and pollinators
Remove spent flower scapes after blooming if desired for neater appearance, or leave for wildlife interest; continue regular watering; foliage remains ornamental even as flowers fade
Maturity/Senescence
August-NovemberPlant reaches full size; foliage may fade slightly in late summer; foliage persists until hard frost turns it brown; plant prepares for dormancy
Reduce watering frequency as temperatures cool; allow foliage to remain for photosynthesis until frost; apply thin layer of mulch (1-2 inches) in fall for winter protection; cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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and
(Gastropoda)
Hand-pick in early morning or evening; use copper tape barriers; apply food-grade diatomaceous earth; beer traps; drought stress and overly moist conditions encourage populations
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Fencing or deer netting; repellent sprays containing capsaicin; motion-activated sprinklers; resistant neighboring plants to deter browsing
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and
Remove protective mulch from immediate crown area; hardware cloth barriers; predator-friendly garden design; trapping in severe cases
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Improve air circulation; water at soil level, not overhead; remove infected leaves; ensure good drainage; fungicide applications if severe
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Remove infected foliage immediately; dispose in trash, not compost; improve drainage; ensure leaves dry quickly; no chemical controls available
Uses
Edible Shoots (Urui)
CulinaryYoung, unfurled hosta leaves—particularly the shoots—are harvested and eaten as a delicacy in Japanese cuisine. The tender shoots have a mild flavor and are typically blanched and served with miso or soy sauce. [source]
Shade Garden Focal Point
HouseholdThe distinctive vase-shaped form and blue-green textured foliage make 'Krossa Regal' an exceptional specimen plant or architectural accent in shade gardens. Its upright, sculptural habit provides year-round visual interest and structure. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe tall lavender flower spikes attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators in mid to late summer. The flowers provide valuable nectar resources when many other shade plants have finished blooming. [source]
Traditional Asian Medicine
MedicinalHosta plants have been used in traditional Asian medicine for various purposes, including supporting digestive health and overall wellness. The leaves contain beneficial compounds. [source]
Textured Foliage for Arrangements
CraftThe large, deeply veined blue-green leaves are harvested for fresh or dried floral arrangements and provide striking texture and form in designs. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Hostas are ornamental foliage plants, not typically harvested. However, young unfurled leaves are edible in Japanese cuisine (urui); harvest tender shoots in early spring before full expansion. For ornamental use, remove dead or damaged leaves as needed throughout growing season; prune dead foliage in late fall or early spring.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 'Krossa Regal' was hybridized in Germany and introduced in the 1980s; the name honors plantsman Paul Krossa, a hosta breeder who contributed significantly to hosta development.
- 🌱 Unlike most hostas which form mounding clumps, 'Krossa Regal' grows distinctly upright and vase-shaped due to its unique growth habit, making it a standout architectural plant in shaded landscapes.
- 🌱 The blue-green coloration in hosta foliage comes from a waxy coating (bloom) on the leaf surface; this coating can be rubbed off by careless handling, and overwatering or excessive moisture on foliage can wash it away, temporarily dimming the plant's attractive color.
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