Hostas are extremely popular perennials in North America. Although not native here, they don’t become invasive in most circumstances. They tolerate shade, even deep shade for some varieties, are easy to grow and maintain, and come in an astounding variety of sizes and colors.
From tiny groundcover plants to sprawling plants with big leaves, you can find a type of hosta plant for any space. Which hostas are the biggest? Check out these impressive giants of the hosta world if you’re looking to fill large areas of the garden.
Choosing the Largest Hosta Plants to Grow
Grow the biggest hosta plants in areas where they can take up space. The biggest varieties can be focal points in a bed or serve as backdrops for lower-growing plants. Use them to fill in spaces under trees or shrubs that are too shady for other plants.
What Are the Biggest Hostas?
As with any variety, know the conditions needed for optimal growth before selecting any one type. Regardless of size, growing hosta plants requires rich, moist soil that drains well and partial or deep shade. Darker-colored hostas need more shade, while lighter, more yellow hostas look best with some morning sun. Keep in mind that these types of larger hostas will grow best and biggest when watered deeply and regularly.
1. Empress Wu
(Image credit: Kristine Radkovska / Getty Images)
‘Empress Wu’ is one of, if not the largest of all hosta varieties. It easily grows taller than four feet (1.2 m) and wider than four to five feet (1.2 to 1.5 m). The leaves are big, too, measuring up to two feet (61 cm). ‘Empress Wu’ has dark green leaves, reddish-violet flowers, and grows best in deep or dappled shade.
2. Blue Angel
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This variety is similar to ‘Empress Wu’ but a little shorter at two to three feet tall (0.6 to 0.9 m), but just as wide. Its leaves are also dark but have more of a blue tint. Provide ‘Blue Angel’ with a shady spot to enjoy its best color. The summer flowers on this variety are white.
3. Victory
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‘Victory’ was introduced as a new giant hosta variety in 2003. The leaves are smooth and medium green with yellow margins that fade to a cream color as the plant ages. As it emerges in spring, it grows with an upright shape, eventually unfolding into a mound that can be up to six feet (1.8 m) wide. As a bonus, this hosta is more slug-resistant than some other varieties.
4. Sum and Substance
(Image credit: Kristine Radkovska / Getty Images)
‘Sum and Substance’ is a giant variety with chartreuse leaves that become more yellow over the course of the summer. As with most lighter-colored hostas, it looks best with two or three hours of direct morning sun. Expect this variety to eventually grow two to three feet (0.6 to 0.9 m) tall and five to six feet (1.5 to 1.8 m) wide. With thick, substantial leaves, ‘Sum and Substance’ resists slugs well.
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5. Dream Weaver
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For a large hosta with variegated foliage, choose ‘Dream Weaver.’ Although not as large as some of the truly giant varieties, it will grow about 30 inches (0.8 m) tall and five feet (1.5 m) wide. The large leaves have a thick, blue-green margin with a yellow center. The leaves are rounder than those of many other varieties.
6. Riverboat Queen
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‘Riverboat Queen’ grows in an attractive, upright mound with round, deeply rippled, and corrugated leaves that are bluish-green. The leaves emerge with a white, waxy coating in spring but become shinier as the season progresses. Expect ‘Kim’ to reach about 3.5 feet (1.1 m) tall and five feet (1.5 m) wide. Deep shade is best for this blue variety of hosta.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Largest Hostas in the World?
The largest hosta variety in the world is ‘Empress Wu.’ It grows over four feet (1.2 m) tall and four to five feet (1.2 to 1.5 m) wide.
What is the Biggest Blue Hosta?
‘Blue Angel’ is one of the biggest blue hostas, growing up to three feet (0.9 m) tall and six feet (1.8 m) wide.
What is the Fastest Growing Hosta?
Some of the fastest-growing hosta varieties are ‘Sum and Substance,’ ‘Empress Wu,’ Island Breeze,’ ‘Vulcan,’ ‘Lemon Lime,’ and ‘Blue Cadet.’
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