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How to Grow Hosta 'Krossa Regal'

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Hosta 'Krossa Regal'

Hosta 'Krossa Regal'

shrub

Krossa Regal is a striking large hosta cultivar prized for its upright, vase-shaped habit and blue-green, deeply ribbed foliage that arches gracefully. It produces tall spikes of lavender flowers in mid to late summer and is an excellent choice for adding architectural interest to shaded garden areas. This vigorous, disease-resistant variety is one of the most dependable and popular blue hostas available.

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Example Hosta 'Krossa Regal' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Hosta 'Krossa Regal'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Hosta 'Krossa Regal'

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hosta 'Krossa Regal' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Partial to full shade, 2-4 hours of dappled sunlight daily; avoid direct afternoon sun
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water deeply 1-2 times per week depending on rainfall and temperature; more frequent watering needed in hot, dry spells
📏
Spacing: 24 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 900-1200 (3-4 years to reach full mature size)
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Planting depth: Crown should be at or slightly above soil level; plant so the top of the root ball is even with the ground surface

Soil

Type: Rich, well-draining loamy soil with organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Compost Peat moss or coconut coir Leaf mold Aged manure

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

First 6-8 weeks

Young plant with limited foliage emerging from the crown; small leaves are pale to medium green

Keep soil consistently moist; apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base (not touching the crown); water regularly during the first growing season to encourage root establishment

2

Vegetative Growth

Spring through mid-summer, years 1-3

Foliage gradually increases and spreads outward; leaves develop the characteristic blue-green color and deep ribbing; the distinctive upright, vase-shaped form becomes apparent

Maintain consistent moisture; apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) once in spring; remove any flower spikes to redirect energy into foliage development if desired during early years

3

Flowering

Mid-July through August

Tall, elegant spikes emerge from the crown bearing numerous small, pale lavender tubular flowers arranged in a dense raceme; spikes can reach 24-36 inches tall

Deadhead spent flowers if desired for neater appearance, or leave them for textural interest; continue regular watering and maintain consistent moisture

4

Seed Development & Dormancy Preparation

August through first frost

Flower spikes fade and seed pods develop; foliage begins to yellow and deteriorate as the plant enters dormancy in fall; leaves collapse to the ground

Allow foliage to remain until fully brown and papery; do not cut back until after first hard frost; cut back spent foliage in late fall or early spring before new growth emerges

5

Winter Dormancy

November through March

Plant goes completely dormant underground; crown rests beneath soil and mulch layer

Maintain mulch layer of 2-3 inches; no watering needed; apply slow-release fertilizer in early spring when new shoots begin to emerge

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Astilbe Hellebores Solomon's Seal Japanese Painted Fern Brunnera Liriope Epimedium Coral Bells Daylily Sedge (Carex)

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut trees (produces juglone toxin) Aggressive spreaders like mint or liriope (competition for space) Plants requiring full sun Shallow-rooted trees with dense canopies that compete for water

Common Pests

  • and

    Hand-pick in early morning; use beer traps; apply diatomaceous earth; encourage natural predators like ground beetles; mulch should be pulled back 6 inches from crown to reduce shelter

  • Install 6-8 foot fencing; apply deer repellent sprays; plant among strongly-scented herbs; use motion-activated sprinklers

  • Remove infected leaves immediately; avoid wetting foliage; improve air circulation; sterilize tools between plants; no chemical control available

  • Remove infected plants; control insect vectors; sterilize tools; ensure good growing conditions to maintain plant vigor

Uses

🏠

Shade Garden Landscaping

Household

Krossa Regal is an excellent choice for creating layered, textured shade gardens with its striking upright habit and architectural foliage. Its robust growth and disease resistance make it a reliable anchor plant in mixed shade borders and woodland gardens. [source]

🏠

Container Growing

Household

This hosta performs well in large containers placed in shaded patios, entryways, or courtyards. The upright, vase-shaped form is particularly striking when displayed as a specimen plant in decorative pots on decks or near water features. [source]

🎨

Cut Foliage & Floral Arrangements

Craft

The attractive blue-green leaves with deep ribbing are excellent for cutting and using in long-lasting floral arrangements and dried foliage compositions. The tall flower spikes also provide height and texture in summer floral displays. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Habitat & Hummingbird Attraction

Wildlife

The lavender flower spikes attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds during their mid to late summer bloom period. Hostas provide shelter and foliage cover for beneficial garden insects and ground-dwelling creatures. [source]

💊

Traditional Asian Culinary Use

Medicinal

While Krossa Regal is primarily ornamental, various hosta species have been used in traditional Asian cuisine. Young shoots are occasionally harvested as a delicacy in Japan, though this cultivar is primarily grown for ornamental purposes. [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; deadhead spent flower spikes if a neater appearance is desired, or leave them for late-season interest. Cut back all foliage in late fall or early spring after the first hard frost when leaves turn brown. Do not harvest foliage during the growing season as it's essential for photosynthesis and energy storage.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Krossa Regal was hybridized by German hosta breeder Wilfred Krossa and introduced in 1990, becoming one of the most popular and award-winning blue hosta cultivars worldwide.
  • 🌱 The deeply ribbed leaves of Krossa Regal contain prominent veins that create a beautiful sculptural texture and actually help channel rainwater to the crown of the plant, aiding in water absorption.
  • 🌱 Hostas are sometimes called 'plantain lilies' not because they're related to plantain bananas, but due to a historical taxonomic confusion with plantain plants; the name stuck despite being botanically inaccurate.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Crown Cultivar Deadhead Mulch pH
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