H. ‘Brigadier’

Overview

Registered in 2003, 'Brigadier' is a large blue-green hosta resulting from a cross between Hosta 'Elegans' (pod parent) and Hosta 'Hirao Supreme' (pollen parent). This cultivar is visually distinctive for its broadly ovate, heavily corrugated leaves with a pronounced glaucous bloom on both surfaces, combined with a notably fast growth rate for a blue-leaved selection.

In the Garden

'Brigadier' forms a substantial mound 24 inches (61.0 cm) tall and 43 inches (109.2 cm) in diameter, with a medium-fast growth habit. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of blue-leaved hostas, where its glaucous bloom remains most intense. The large, textured leaves make it an effective specimen or background plant in shaded borders, and it pairs well with fine-textured ferns or shade-tolerant perennials that contrast its bold foliage.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most blue-leaved cultivars, 'Brigadier' is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be necessary in gardens where these pests are prevalent.