Product Description
Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' (AHS 1987) (20)ct Flat
- Huge 10x9", blue-gray, rounded leaves
- They become heavily textured and corrugated as they mature; slug resistant
- Blue leaf color is best achieved in light sun
- White flowers bloom in clusters on 34" scapes in midsummer
American Hosta Society Best Blue Leaf Award -- 1986
American Hosta Society Lucille Simpers Award (Best large or giant blue leaf hosta) -- 1991
American Hosta Society Benedict Garden Performance Award Honorable Mention -- 2006
American Hosta Society Benedict Garden Performance Award of Merit -- 2009
Height: 20 Inches
Spread: 40 Inches
Scape Height: 34 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: White shades
Foliage Color: Blue shades
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Summer
Attracts Hummingbirds
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting
Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' is a classic and elegant hosta cultivar that has been a mainstay in shade gardens for decades. It is prized for its large, blue-green leaves, impressive size, and tolerance of dry shade. Here is a closer look at its distinguished features:
Appearance:
- Large, Blue-Green Leaves: 'Elegans' forms a spreading mound of thick, puckered, blue-green leaves. The leaves are wide-oval with distinctive veining and can reach up to 14 inches long and 12 inches wide, creating a bold and textured presence.
- White Flowers: In early to mid-summer, it produces funnel-shaped, white flowers with a hint of lavender at the base. The flowers are held in racemes on upright scapes (stalks) that rise to about 25 inches tall.
- Spreading Habit: It has a spreading habit, typically reaching about 2 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide at maturity.
Growing Conditions:
- Shade: Thrives in partial shade to full shade. It prefers some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent the leaves from scorching.
- Moist Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It has good tolerance for dry shade once established.
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3-9, making it a versatile choice for many gardeners.
Care:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
- Mulching: Mulching around the plant helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Dividing: Divide clumps every few years in spring or fall to maintain vigor.
Uses:
- Shade Gardens: Creates a lush and textured backdrop in shade gardens.
- Borders: Can be used as a border plant or edging for pathways.
- Specimen Plant: Its impressive size and form make it an excellent specimen plant.
- Woodland Gardens: Adds a touch of elegance and serenity to woodland gardens.
Additional Information:
- Slug Resistance: It exhibits good resistance to slugs due to its thick, textured leaves.
- Slow Grower: 'Elegans' is a slow grower, but its impressive size and beautiful foliage make it worth the wait.
- Parentage: It is a cultivar of Hosta sieboldiana, a species native to Japan.
If you are looking for a large and impressive hosta with beautiful blue-green foliage, good slug resistance, and tolerance of dry shade, Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' is an excellent choice. It is a classic and elegant addition to any shade garden.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
