H. ‘Downpour’

Overview

Registered in 2010 as a sport of *Hosta* 'Blue Umbrellas', 'Downpour' is a giant hosta distinguished by its large, blue-green leaves with gold margins and a uniquely colored leaf center. The broadly ovate, moderately corrugated leaves measure up to 15 inches (38.1 cm) long and 12 inches (30.5 cm) wide, with 14 to 15 vein pairs, flat margins, a dull upper surface, and a glaucous bloom beneath.

In the Garden

'Downpour' forms a substantial, mound-like clump reaching 28 inches (71.1 cm) in height and 50 inches (127.0 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It thrives in partial to full shade, where its blue-green centers and gold margins remain most vivid, and pairs well with other shade perennials such as ferns, astilbes, and heucheras. Its large size makes it unsuitable for containers but ideal as a specimen or accent in woodland gardens and shaded borders.

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, 'Downpour' is susceptible to slug and deer damage in typical hosta-growing zones.