How to Grow Krossa Regal Hosta
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Krossa Regal Hosta
Hosta 'Krossa Regal'
shrubKrossa Regal is a large, upright hosta cultivar prized for its striking blue-green, deeply ribbed foliage that forms an elegant vase-like mound. It produces tall spikes of pale lavender flowers in mid to late summer and is one of the most architecturally impressive hostas available for shade gardens. This deciduous perennial is excellent for adding structure and visual interest to woodland borders and shaded landscapes.
When should you plant Krossa Regal Hosta in your zone?
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Example Krossa Regal Hosta timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Krossa Regal Hosta
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Krossa Regal Hosta
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Krossa Regal Hosta dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, performs best in cooler climates where foliage color is most vibrant
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Get my Krossa Regal Hosta timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
Spring to fall of first yearNewly planted hosta sends up small unfurling leaves from the crown. Growth is slow the first season.
Keep soil consistently moist. Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Remove any flower spikes the first year to encourage root establishment.
Vegetative Growth
Years 2-3, throughout growing seasonCharacteristic blue-green, deeply veined leaves emerge in an upright, vase-like form. Plant grows steadily larger each year.
Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring as new growth emerges. Remove spent leaves and debris. Slugs and snails may nibble foliage.
Flowering
6-8 weeks in summerTall spikes (18-24 inches) rise above the foliage topped with fragrant pale lavender, near-white flowers arranged in a raceme.
Flowers appear in mid to late summer. Leave spikes intact if you enjoy the flowers and want seed development. Deadhead if you prefer to focus energy on foliage.
Seed Development
Late summer to early fallAfter flowering, seeds develop in pods along the spent flower spike. Seeds mature and dry on the plant.
Allow spikes to remain if collecting seed. Otherwise, remove spent flower stems to neaten appearance.
Dormancy
Fall through early springFoliage yellows and dies back after frost. Plant enters winter dormancy underground.
Cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring. Apply a layer of mulch for winter protection in colder zones. Divide established clumps in early spring if desired.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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and
Hand-pick early morning or evening, set beer traps, apply diatomaceous earth, use copper tape barriers, introduce beneficial nematodes
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No cure; remove infected plants to prevent spread, sterilize tools between plants, control aphids which transmit virus
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove affected leaves, apply fungicide if severe
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Spray with strong water stream, insecticidal soap, neem oil, introduce natural predators like ladybugs
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Install fencing, use deer repellent sprays, plant resistant companions nearby, motion-activated lights
Uses
Shade Garden Focal Point
OrnamentalKrossa Regal's architectural mounding form and blue-green foliage make it an excellent specimen plant for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and landscape focal points. Its striking silhouette provides year-round structure. [source]
Mass Planting & Ground Cover
LandscapeWhen spaced appropriately, multiple Krossa Regal plants create a striking layered effect in shade gardens. Its upright growth habit prevents it from overwhelming lower-growing shade plants. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdThe tall, graceful flower spikes are excellent for fresh floral arrangements and add vertical interest to bouquets. Both the flowers and attractive foliage can be used in arrangements. [source]
Edible Shoots
CulinaryYoung unfurling hosta shoots (called 'toglabi' in Korean cuisine) are considered a delicacy and can be blanched and eaten as a vegetable. They have a slightly asparagus-like flavor. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe fragrant lavender flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects in mid to late summer, making Krossa Regal beneficial for supporting shade-garden pollinators. [source]
Harvest Tips
Hostas are foliage plants grown for leaves rather than harvest. Cut flower spikes if desired for arrangements in mid to late summer when fully open. Deadhead spent flowers to maintain appearance. Collect mature seeds in fall by allowing flower spikes to fully dry on plant, then cut and store in cool, dry location.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Krossa Regal was hybridized in Germany and named after the Krossa nursery; it won the American Hosta Society Hosta of the Year award in 1990.
- 🌱 The deeply ribbed blue-green foliage of Krossa Regal can take 2-3 years to develop its full characteristic color intensity and sculptural form.
- 🌱 Hosta flowers are actually quite fragrant, especially in the evening, and attract nocturnal pollinators; the scent is often sweetly vanilla-like.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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