Hosta 'Krossa Regal' (plantain lily 'Krossa Regal') — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta 'Krossa Regal' is a clump-forming, mounded perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous; broad, ribbed or puckered, often variegated or glaucous foliage. Hosta 'Krossa Regal' grows best in partial to full shade; blue-leaved kinds hold their colour best out of sun, and tolerates fertile loam enriched with organic matter soils and neutral to slightly acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, shade gardens, ground cover and container planting.

About

Hosta 'Krossa Regal' is a clump-forming, mounded perennial in the Asparagaceae with broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are often variegated or glaucous. It is deciduous, losing its foliage each winter. Grows best in partial to full shade on fertile, moisture-retentive loam.

About the genus

Hosta is a genus of plants commonly known as hostas, plantain lilies and occasionally by the Japanese name gibōshi. Hostas are widely cultivated as shade-tolerant foliage plants. The genus is placed in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae, and is native to northeast Asia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Hosta", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hosta

In the garden

Hosta 'Krossa Regal' sits in the genus Hosta (family Asparagaceae) and forms neat, mounded clumps of broad, textured leaves that are frequently variegated or take on a glaucous tone. The flowering period is June to August. The foliage is deciduous and provides the principal garden interest through the growing season. Plant in a sheltered, north- or east-facing spot where it receives partial to full shade; blue-leaved forms hold their colour better away from direct sun. Prepare a fertile loam enriched with plenty of organic matter and aim for a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Keep the soil reliably moist but avoid waterlogging, and bear in mind the hardiness rating H7 — fully hardy in UK conditions (roughly USDA zones 3–9). Use Hosta 'Krossa Regal' in shaded borders, as ground cover beneath trees, or in containers where its mounded habit can be appreciated. Position groups for contrast with finer-leaved perennials or spring bulbs that die back early. Because the foliage is deciduous, expect the leaves to die back over winter and reappear in spring, so check for the emerging crown before any spring tidy-up.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hosta

Sunlight: Partial to full shade; blue-leaved kinds hold their colour best out of sun
Soil type: Fertile loam enriched with organic matter
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acid
Soil moisture: Reliably moist but never waterlogged
Aspect: North or east facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Hosta 'Krossa Regal' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mounded
Foliage: Deciduous; broad, ribbed or puckered, often variegated or glaucous
Suggested uses: Borders, shade gardens, ground cover, container planting

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta 'Krossa Regal'

Cultivation: Give a cool root run, generous leaf mould and consistent moisture — drought is what produces thin, scorched leaves. Growing in containers makes slug control far easier, and a top-dressing of grit or a copper band around the pot helps further.
Pruning: No pruning needed. Remove flower scapes once faded if seed is not wanted, and clear collapsed foliage in late autumn to take away slug shelter.
Propagation: Divide crowns in early spring as the shoots emerge, cutting between the buds with a sharp knife. Division is the only way to keep a named cultivar true.
Pest resistance: Highly attractive to slugs and snails, which is the one real limiting factor; vine weevil can be serious in containers.
Disease resistance: Generally healthy. Hosta virus X is the notable exception — affected plants should be destroyed rather than divided.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Hosta 'Krossa Regal'?

Give a cool root run, generous leaf mould and consistent moisture — drought is what produces thin, scorched leaves. Growing in containers makes slug control far easier, and a top-dressing of grit or a copper band around the pot helps further.

Where is the best place to plant Hosta 'Krossa Regal'?

Hosta 'Krossa Regal' prefers partial to full shade; blue-leaved kinds hold their colour best out of sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Hosta 'Krossa Regal' need?

Hosta 'Krossa Regal' grows best in fertile loam enriched with organic matter soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acid soil. Aim for soil that stays reliably moist but never waterlogged.

How do I prune Hosta 'Krossa Regal'?

No pruning needed. Remove flower scapes once faded if seed is not wanted, and clear collapsed foliage in late autumn to take away slug shelter.

Is Hosta 'Krossa Regal' hardy in the UK?

Hosta 'Krossa Regal' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Hosta 'Krossa Regal'?

Divide crowns in early spring as the shoots emerge, cutting between the buds with a sharp knife. Division is the only way to keep a named cultivar true.

More in the Hosta genus

Browse all Hosta →