H. ‘Crater Lake’

Overview

Registered in 1996, *Hosta* 'Crater Lake' is a giant hybrid derived from *H. 'Elegans'*, distinguished by its intensely blue-green leaves with a heavy glaucous bloom on both surfaces. The cultivar forms a substantial, stoloniferous clump reaching 54 inches (137.2 cm) in diameter and 34 inches (86.4 cm) in height, with cordate leaves measuring 12 inches (30.5 cm) long by 10 inches (25.4 cm) wide and bearing 15 pairs of veins.

In the Garden

'Crater Lake' performs best in partial to full shade, where its blue-green foliage maintains its glaucous coloration. With a moderate growth rate, this giant hosta requires ample space to reach its mature spread of over four feet; it is well-suited as a specimen plant in shaded borders or as a bold groundcover beneath deciduous trees. The green scapes, rising 32 to 39 inches (81.3 to 99.1 cm) tall, bear pale lavender flowers in midsummer. Companion plants should tolerate similar moisture conditions and not compete aggressively for root space.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with many large-leaved hostas, slug and deer damage may occur; monitor regularly and manage as needed in typical hosta-growing zones.