H. ‘Blue Umbrellas’
Hosta ‘Blue Umbrellas’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by F. Shaw.
| Year registered | 1978 |
|---|---|
| Originator | F. Shaw |
| Registrant | P. Aden |
| Section class | I-2 (Giant) |
Overview
Registered in 1978 by F. Shaw and introduced by P. Aden, 'Blue Umbrellas' is a giant hosta cultivar distinguished by its exceptionally large, heavily textured blue-green leaves with blue margins. The leaves reach 14 inches (35.6 cm) in length and 10 inches (25.4 cm) in width, with 18 vein pairs, forming a substantial mound 54 inches (137.2 cm) in diameter and 36 inches (91.4 cm) in height.
In the Garden
This cultivar is best suited to partial to full shade, where its blue coloration holds best. At maturity, it forms a massive, rounded clump ideal as a specimen or focal point in larger shade gardens, woodland borders, or as a groundcover in spacious areas. Its size makes it unsuitable for containers; companion plants should be shade-tolerant perennials such as ferns, astilbes, or heucheras that contrast with its broad, blue-green foliage.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many large-leaved hostas, 'Blue Umbrellas' is susceptible to slug and deer damage; regular monitoring and protective measures are recommended in typical hosta-growing zones.
This summary was generated with AI from the registry record and has not been reviewed yet; the registry data on this page is the reference. How we use AI.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 36 in (91.4 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 54 in (137.2 cm) |
| Leaf length | 14 in (35.6 cm) |
| Leaf width | 10 in (25.4 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 18 |
| Flower scape height | 36 in (91.4 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Blue Umbrellas’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Big B’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Blazing Saddles’ (seedling (pollen parent))
- H. ‘Blue Lightning’ (sport)
- H. ‘Downpour’ (sport)
- H. ‘Hulkster’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘King Tucker’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Potomac Pride’ (seedling (pollen parent))
- H. ‘Rain Dancer’ (sport)
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (I-2, giant size):
- H. ‘Krossa Regal’ (1980)
- H. ‘Helen Doriot’ (1982)
- H. ‘Kong’ (1990)
- H. ‘Abiqua Elephant Ears’ (1999)
- H. ‘Gentle Giant’ (2005)
- H. ‘Big Daddy’ (1978)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #685. How we check this data.