Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' is a classic giant blue hosta known for its thick corrugated powdery blue leaves that hold their color well into summer. This cultivar forms a majestic clump over time making it an excellent architectural focal point in shade gardens. Tall scapes bearing pale lavender flowers rise above the foliage in midsummer attracting pollinators while adding vertical interest.
Height & Spread: 24 - 30 in x 36 - 48 in
Bloom Time: Midsummer
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Rich, well drained soil with consistent moisture
Watering Needs: Regular; prefers moist conditions during active growth
Deer Resistance: Occasionally browsed; use deterrents in deer prone areas
Native Status
Hosta sieboldiana is native to Japan. The cultivar 'Elegans' is a selected form valued for its distinctive size and leaf texture, and is widely grown in temperate regions.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- The tubular lavender flowers attract bumblebees and other long tongued bees, particularly during midsummer bloom when shade flowers are limited.
Butterflies
- Visited by butterflies including Eastern Tiger Swallowtails for nectar especially in woodland edge settings.
Birds
- The dense foliage provides ground shelter for songbirds such as sparrows and wrens especially in mixed shade plantings.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Allow 36 - 48 in for mature clump development; ideal for anchoring large shade borders or understory beds.
Landscape Placement:
- Use as a specimen plant, mass under deciduous trees, or pair with finer textured perennials for dramatic foliage contrast in shaded woodland gardens.
Companion Plants
- Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' (Variegated Solomons Seal) - Arching stems and variegated foliage create contrast and natural movement next to large hosta leaves.
- Dryopteris erythrosora (Autumn Fern) - Copper tinged new growth adds texture and seasonal color beside the cool blue hosta.
- Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' - Silver veined foliage and sky blue spring flowers add bright highlights in the shade garden.
- Astilboides tabularis - Oversized foliage and architectural habit echo the boldness of 'Elegans' in moist shady areas.
- Epimedium x rubrum - Fine textured leaves and spring flowers create a soft low mounding contrast to the massive hosta leaves.