Plantain Lily Hosta 'Krossa Regal'
ABOUT
Hosta 'Krossa Regal' is a perennial plant that features a distinctive mounded shape. Its leaves are large, broadly ovate and come to a distinct point at the ends. These leaves have an attractive bluish-green color with a slightly glaucous, waxy coating that gives them a subtle sheen. The texture of the leaves is also noteworthy; they are ribbed with prominent veining which gives the foliage a corrugated appearance, adding to its visual interest. As for the flowers, Hosta 'Krossa Regal' produces tall, slender flower scapes that rise above the foliage. The flowers themselves are tubular or funnel-shaped, typically lavender to pale purple in color, and hang in loose clusters. They add an airy, delicate touch to the plant's robust foliage display. Bloom time for the flowers usually occurs in the summer months, and they can add a gentle splash of color to shaded garden areas. Overall, the appeal of Hosta 'Krossa Regal' lies in its lush, dense foliage that creates a striking presence in the landscape. The soothing colors and interesting textures of the leaves coupled with the elegant flower spikes make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of refinement to their shade gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia
Common names
Hosta 'Krossa Regal'
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas, generally, are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, if ingested in significant amounts, they could potentially cause mild stomach upset. It is always best to avoid eating any part of ornamental plants unless they are known to be edible. There are no severe toxic consequences expected from ingesting Hostas for humans, but it is recommended to be cautious and keep them out of reach of children who might be tempted to chew on them.
To pets
Hostas are known to be toxic to pets, such as cats and dogs. If your pet ingests any part of the Hosta plant, it may exhibit symptoms of poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea, depression, or abdominal pain. In more severe cases, the consumption could potentially lead to more serious effects, including complications from intense vomiting or diarrhea. Pet owners should be vigilant and prevent their pets from consuming Hostas or seek veterinary care if they suspect their pet has ingested any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Low maintenance: Hosta 'Krossa Regal' is known for being a low-maintenance perennial, requiring minimal care once established.
- Shade tolerance: This plant thrives in shady conditions, making it an ideal choice for garden areas that receive limited sunlight.
- Attractive foliage: Its large, blue-green leaves add a unique texture and color to garden arrangements.
- Slug resistance: Compared to other hostas, 'Krossa Regal' is more resistant to slug damage, which can be a common problem with hostas.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it has moderate drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long-lived: As a perennial, Hosta 'Krossa Regal' can live for many years, providing sustained beauty with proper care.
- Seasonal interest: The plant produces tall, slender flower stalks with lavender blooms in mid to late summer, offering seasonal interest.
- Ground cover: Its clumping growth habit makes it useful for covering large areas of ground, helping to reduce weed growth.
- Versatility: Hosta 'Krossa Regal' can be used in a variety of garden designs, including borders, woodland gardens, and as a specimen plant.
- Wildlife attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators like bees to the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden Sculpture Companion: Hosta 'Krossa Regal' can serve as a lush, green pedestal complimenting garden sculptures, accentuating the art without overshadowing it.
- Culinary Garnish: The large, sturdy leaves can be used as a natural plating element for presenting hors d'oeuvres at garden parties.
- Photography Backdrop: Amateur and professional photographers alike can use the broad leaves as a serene green background for close-up photographs of insects or other small fauna.
- Craft Projects: Leaves can be used in craft projects like leaf casting to create decorative impressions for stepping stones or wall hangings.
- Natural Confetti: Dried and crumbled leaves of the Hosta can be used as an eco-friendly confetti for outdoor celebrations, which will naturally decompose.
- Shade Garden Design: Used as a staple in shady garden areas, Hosta 'Krossa Regal' fills large spaces with its foliage, creating a lush, tranquil retreat.
- Floral Arrangements: The elongated, lance-shaped leaves can add texture and greenery to cut flower arrangements, providing a subtle backdrop for the colorful blooms.
- Pressing for Art: The leaves can be pressed and dried to use in botanical art pieces or herbarium collections for educational purposes.
- Companion Planting: Hosta 'Krossa Regal' can be strategically planted to cover the base of leggier plants, providing a living mulch that helps retain soil moisture.
- Seasonal Decorating: With their variegated foliage, Hosta leaves can be incorporated into fall décor, adding a unique touch to wreaths or table centerpieces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Hosta is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Hosta is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Hostas are known for their toughness and the ability to thrive in shade, making them a symbol of resilience and enduring strength.
- Heartiness: 'Krossa Regal', like other hostas, is a symbol of heartiness as it is adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil conditions.
- Self-reliance: These plants can often take care of themselves once established, representing independence and self-reliance.
- Healing: In some cultures, hostas are seen as having medicinal properties, symbolizing healing and therapeutic qualities.
- Fortitude: The Hosta 'Krossa Regal' showcases bold leaves and a strong presence in gardens, embodying fortitude and presence.
- Devotion: Their tendency to grow and spread can also represent devotion and a gardener's commitment to nurturing and expanding their garden.
- Friendship: Hostas are often shared among gardening friends, symbolizing friendship and the sharing of joy and beauty.
WaterFor the Hosta 'Krossa Regal', commonly known as just Hosta, proper watering is crucial. It should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the equivalent of 1 inch of rainfall is delivered. In dry conditions, especially in summer, this might equate to about 0.5 gallons per square foot. The water should be applied directly to the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Adjustments to the watering schedule should be made during rainy periods, where natural precipitation might suffice, or during particularly hot spells, where additional water may be necessary.
LightHostas, including the 'Krossa Regal', thrive best in partial to full shade conditions. The ideal spot for these plants is an area that receives morning sunlight and shade in the afternoon, as intense afternoon sun can burn the leaves. Variegated or lighter colored Hostas may handle a bit more sun, while darker green variants, like 'Krossa Regal', require more shade to maintain their foliage color and prevent scorching.
TemperatureHostas perform well in a wide range of temperatures but ideally grow in environments with daytime temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F. They can survive in temperatures as low as 30°F, but foliage will die back when frost hits. 'Krossa Regal' Hostas are robust down to USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8, showing that they can endure winter lows of -40°F. However, during the growing season, they favor the cooler end of the spectrum.
PruningPruning Hostas like the 'Krossa Regal' generally involves removing dead or damaged foliage and flower stalks to encourage healthy growth and improve appearance. Prune in early spring to remove any foliage damaged over the winter. After the Hosta blooms, the flower stalks can be cut back to the ground to direct the plant's energy to the leaves. It is also beneficial to remove old foliage in late fall to minimize hiding places for pests over winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Hosta (commonly known as Plantain Lily) should be well-draining and rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and a small amount of perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage is suitable for 'Krossa Regal'.
RepottingHostas, including the 'Krossa Regal', do not need frequent repotting and can thrive for several years in the same pot. They are typically repotted every 3 to 5 years or when the root system has outgrown the current container.
Humidity & MistingPlantain Lilies prefer average to high humidity levels but are adaptable to normal outdoor fluctuations. They like a humidity level around 50% or higher, typical of shaded garden environments where these plants thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Krossa Regal' in bright, indirect light and ensure high humidity indoors.
Outdoor
Plant 'Krossa Regal' in shaded areas with moist, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleHosta 'Krossa Regal', commonly known as the Krossa Regal hosta, begins its life cycle as a dormant rhizome or root division, typically emerging in the spring as temperatures warm. Sprouting from the rhizome, the spear-like foliage unfurls into large blue-green leaves in an upright vase-shaped formation that defines this variety's unique appearance. Throughout the growing season, the hosta matures and can produce tall scapes that bear lavender flowers in late summer, attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. After flowering, the plant sets seed, though many gardeners remove the flower stalks to maintain foliage aesthetics and prevent self-seeding. As autumn approaches, the hosta's foliage begins to die back with the first frosts and it eventually becomes dormant, with the leaves withering away, leaving the rhizome to overwinter underground. With the arrival of the next spring, the hosta 'Krossa Regal' repeats this cycle, regenerating from its rhizome to continue its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The Hosta 'Krossa Regal', also known simply as Hosta, is most commonly propagated by division. The best time to divide this plant is in early spring or early fall when the temperatures are cool and the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, dig up the entire Hosta clump and gently separate it into smaller clumps, ensuring each section has at least two or three shoots and a good root system. Replant the divisions immediately, spacing them at least a foot apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method of propagation is quick, easy, and typically results in robust new plants that resemble the parent plant.
